PERFECT PIZZA DOUGH

Perfect Pizza Dough image

Provided by Terri at Momswim

Categories Breads

Time 2h

Yield 1 large pizza

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for coating)
1 1/2 cups flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Place 1/4 cup of the warm water in a small bowl.
Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then sprinkle the yeast onto the surface of the water.
Let the yeast float there for 1 minute, then stir it into the water.
Let the yeast"proof" for 10 minutes.
It should bubble a bit; if it doesn't, the yeast is outdated and inactive.
Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl, then stir in the remaining water and the olive oil, flour, and salt.
With a wooden spoon, mix the dough until it forms a ball.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 10 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic.
Coat the inside of a large glass or ceramic bowl with olive oil.
Press the ball of dough into the bottom of the bowl, then flip it over so the oiled side is on top.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Makes 1 1/2 pounds of dough.