1 sachet dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
1 cup warm (tepid) water
3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Dissolve yeast in the warm water. Set aside and follow the instructions below for the method you choose. Excluding “Bread Machine” recipe which may have its own method.
By Hand
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour the olive oil and the yeast mixture into it. Stir until it begins to form a ball, then turn it out onto a clean, floured surface and knead for about 4 or 5 minutes.
In a Mixer
Using a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the liquid ingredients and mix on low until the dough begins to clump around the dough hook. Remove and knead as above.
In a Bread Machine (This is how we make all our dough – let the machine do all the hard work for you!)
Set the machine for “dough” and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; most bread makers complete the entire dough making process for you – including the rising of the dough. Again follow manufacturer’s recipe instructions – you can’t go wrong.
Whichever method and pizza dough recipe you use, your dough should be a smooth, elastic ball. Lightly oil the ball and the inside of a large glass bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (approx 1 hour). For better crust, punch down the dough, reshape into a ball and let is rise again. You can refrigerate or freeze the dough at this point.
Divide the dough into 3 or 4 equal portions and on a lightly floured board, roll the dough to your required thickness. Add your favourite toppings and cook.
Alternative Bases – Prepared pizza bases, Focaccia Bread or Ready- made pizza bases available from most delicatessen or supermarkets or order a pizza with absolutely nothing on it!
Marinated Lamb Pizza
350 g Lamb, cut into strips (You can use lamb short loin chops, lamb steaks etc)
5ml salt
15 ml oregano
10 ml soy sauce
45 ml lemon juice
1 clove garlic – crushed
40 ml olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
Combine all ingredients with lamb in a covered bowl and marinate for approx. 2 hours
Ingredients – Toppings
Sliced Onion,pumpkin pieces,Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese (small chunks or crumble), black olives, fresh basil, thyme, parsley or Italian herbs.
Note: Vary topping amounts to your taste. This also applies to the herbs.
Ingredients - Pumpkin Pieces
Cut pumpkin into crouton size pieces and cook in the oven or microwave until just cooked. Leave to cool.
Method
Lightly grease pizza tray with oil. Roll out dough, place on tray and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Drain the lamb and then arrange on pizza as desired. Followed by onion, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, pumpkin pieces, fetta cheese, olives and perhaps a bit more cheese. Add herbs of choice and season with a little salt and pepper.
Note: You can cook your pizza or any food directly on the floor tiles inside your DIY oven if you like. This browns the base and gives that extra authentic wood and smokey flavour. If using pizza trays in your DIY Oven, remove the pizza from the tray half way through the cooking process and place directly on oven floor tiles. Allow the pizza base to brown underneath. Put back on tray to serve or continue cooking as desired.
Grilled Vegitarian Pizza
Zucchini
Long Eggplant
Red Onion (Thinly Sliced)
Capsicum (Any Colour)
Mozzarella Cheese
Olives (Sliced or Whole)
Fresh Basil Leaves/Parsley or dried Italian Herbs
Combine all ingredients with lamb in a covered bowl and marinate for approx. 2 hours
Method
Slice Zucchini, Eggplant and Capsicum into strips, toss in a bowl and coat with a little olive oil.
Lightly cook on grill plate or grill pan until char lines appear. Cook all and allow to cool.
Roll pizza dough out as usual and top with your pizza sauce. Firstly sprinkle cheese and tastefully decorate your pizza with remaining ingredients. Garnish with preferred herbs, salt and pepper.
Drizzle with a little garlic oil or sundried tomato oil, chili oil or olive oil.
. Note:Remember with all pizza toppings ……….. less is more!
Watch Tom in action as he cooks up some delicious "Chilli Garlic Prawns"
