Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sourdough starter
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of warm water
Step 1: Activate Your Sourdough Starter
If your sourdough starter has been in the refrigerator, it’s time to feed and activate it. Take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Feed it by combining equal parts of flour and water, and let it sit for 6-8 hours until it becomes active and bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, olive oil, and warm water. Mix well until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Proof the Dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 6-8 hours or overnight. The dough should double in size, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. The stone or sheet will help give your pizza a crispy crust.
Step 5: Shape the Pizza
Once the dough has proofed, transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into desired portions and shape them into round balls. Cover the balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for 15-20 minutes before shaping them into pizza bases.
Step 6: Add Your Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Roll out each dough ball into a thin round crust. Place the crusts on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet or pizza peel. Add your favorite toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats.
Step 7: Bake Your Pizza
Carefully slide the prepared pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice, serve, and savor the deliciousness of homemade sourdough pizza!
Now that you have mastered the art of making pizza with a sourdough starter, be creative with your flavors and toppings. Experiment with different combinations to create your signature pizza! Happy baking!