Wood-fired Italian American Recipe

Preparation Steps

1. 1

   Make the Dough

   In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. 2

   Prepare the Sauce

   While the dough is rising, prepare the marinara sauce. In a saucepan, heat a little olive oil and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. 3

   Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your wood-fired oven to about 800°F (427°C). If you do not have a wood-fired oven, you can use a regular oven set to the highest temperature.

4. 4

   Shape and Assemble

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a pizza shape on a floured surface. Place the rolled dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread marinara sauce over the base, leaving a small border for the crust. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella, crumbled sausage, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

5. 5

   Bake the Pizza

   Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated oven stone. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

6. 6

   Serve

   Slice the pizza and serve hot, enjoying this modern twist on a classic Italian American dish.