She Strengthens

The Secret to Making Exceptional Homemade Pizza

Unlocking the Perfect Crust

Have you ever wondered how to create a homemade pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria? The key lies in harnessing the power of high heat and controlled cooking. By blasting your pizza dough with intense heat on the stovetop and then finishing it off in the broiler, you’ll achieve a crust that’s both crispy and deeply flavorful.

The Role of Sourdough Starter

To take your pizza to the next level, you’ll need to incorporate a sourdough starter into your dough. This pre-ferment, made from whole wheat flour, water, and yeast, will enhance the complexity of flavor and extend the shelf life of your bread. Don’t worry if you’re new to sourdough; it’s easier to make than you think.

Crafting the Perfect Dough

To create your dough, combine 1 tablespoon of sourdough starter with 1/2 cup of cool water and 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour. Let this mixture sit for 8-12 hours, allowing the starter to work its magic. Next, add 1 cup of lukewarm water, 2 3/4 cups of bread flour, and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Mix everything together, then let the dough rest for 30 minutes to an hour.

Kneading and Shaping

Knead the dough gently, folding it onto itself several times. Let it rest for 30 minutes, then repeat the process two more times. After the final knead, shape the dough into balls, about 8 oz each. You can either let them rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours or refrigerate them for up to 48 hours.

Topping and Baking

Preheat your broiler and a skillet on the stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and carefully place a dough ball into the pan. Stretch the dough into a circle, creating a lip around the edge. Top with your desired ingredients – in this case, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Maldon salt and drizzle with olive oil.

Finishing Touches

Broil the pizza for 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown with specks of black. Remove it from the oven, and let it cool for a minute. Slice and serve, garnished with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of love.

Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Try using fresh burrata cheese for an added layer of creaminess or substitute your favorite tomato sauce for the fresh tomatoes. The key to making exceptional homemade pizza is to stay flexible and have fun with the process.

With these simple steps and a bit of practice, you’ll be crafting pizzas that will impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, get creative, and share your culinary masterpiece with the ones you love!