Classic Pizza

 
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Rising Time: 45 min
Dough Resting Time: 20 min
Baking Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

1/2     Tablespoon active dry yeast

1        teaspoon sugar

1/2     cup very warm water (105° F. to 115° F.)

1-3/4  cups all-purpose flour

3/4     teaspoon salt

2        Tablespoon olive oil

1        medium onion, chopped

1        medium clove garlic, minced

1        can (4-1/2-ounce) whole peeled tomatoes, undrained and chopped

2        Tablespoon tomato paste

1        teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

1/2     teaspoon dried basil, crumbled

1/8     teaspoon black pepper

1-3/4  cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2     cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2     small red bell pepper, chopped

1/2     small greed bell pepper, chopped

1/3     cup pitted ripe olives, cut into halves

4        fresh medium mushrooms, sliced

1        can (2-ounce) flat anchovy fillets, drained

Directions:

In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast and 1/2-teaspoon sugar over warm water. Stir until yeast is dissolved. Let stand until yeast is bubbly.

In a medium bowl, place 1-1/2-cups flour and 1/4-teaspoon salt.

Stir in yeast mixture and 1-Tablespoon oil, stirring until a smooth, soft dough forms.

On a floured surface, knead dough (using remaining flour as needed) to form stiff elastic dough.

In a greased bowl, let dough rise, covered, in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1-Tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add onion, cook for about 5 minutes or until soft.

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, remaining 1/2-teaspoon sugar, remaining 1/2 -teaspoon salt and the black pepper.

Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 or until sauce is thick.

Pour sauce into a bowl and let it cool.

Preheat oven to 450° F.

Punch down dough. Knead briefly on lightly floured surface to distribute air bubbles.
Let dough rest 5 minutes.

On lightly floured surface, flatten dough into a circle.

Roll out dough into a 10-inch circle.

Place circle in a greased 12-inch pizza pan.

Pat dough out to edges of the pan.

Let stand, covered 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Spread sauce evenly over pizza dough.

Sprinkles with 2/3 of the cheeses.

Arrange bell peppers, olives, mushrooms and anchovies on top of pizza.

Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top of pizza.

Bake for 20 minutes or until crust in gold brown.

Cut into wedges and serve.