California Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1 cup cooked and crumbled chicken breast (optional)
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Pizza Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside.
Punch down the dough and divide it in half (for two pizzas) or use the entire amount for one large pizza. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the rolled dough to a piece of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add your chosen toppings: sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and crumbled chicken if using.
Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top with sliced avocado and fresh basil leaves before slicing.
Serve:
Slice the pizza and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 2 (large pizza) or 4 (small pizzas)
Calories: Approximately 300-400 kcal per serving (varies with toppings)
