Ingredients

For the pizza dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup warm water

For the pizza topping
1/2 cup pizza sauce or homemade tomato sauce
200 grams fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
Fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional)

Step-by-step method

Step 1: In a bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy

Step 2: Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 1 hour or until doubled

Step 3: Preheat oven to 230°C or 450°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating

Step 4: Divide dough in two and roll out into thin circles on a floured surface

Step 5: Spread a layer of pizza sauce on each base, leaving a 1 cm border

Step 6: Arrange mozzarella slices evenly and sprinkle with salt and oregano

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly

Step 8: Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve hot

Manish Tip: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza base for 3 minutes before adding toppings

Nutrition values (per medium pizza)