Pizza

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives)
• Dried oregano and red pepper flakes (optional, for seasoning)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.
3. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
6. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out the dough into your desired pizza size and thickness.
7. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
8. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
9. Add your favorite pizza toppings over the cheese.
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven, and if desired, sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes over the top for added seasoning.
12. Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

History:

Pizza, as we know it today, traces its origins back to Naples, Italy. It is believed to have been first created in the late 18th century when Neapolitans began adding tomato sauce and cheese to their traditional flatbread. The combination was then known as "pizza" and quickly gained popularity in the region.

Initially considered a humble street food for the working class, pizza's popularity spread beyond Naples and across Italy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States, where it eventually became an iconic dish, especially in New York and Chicago.

Over time, pizza has evolved into countless variations and styles worldwide, catering to different tastes and cultural preferences. It remains a universally loved comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages.

Interesting Facts:

- The world's largest pizza was made in South Africa in 1990, measuring 122 feet in diameter. It required over 2