Coal Oven Pizza Recipe

Preparation and Cooking

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add olive oil, salt, and gradually add the flour while mixing until a dough forms.

2. 2

   Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until 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.

3. 3

   Preheat the Coal Oven

   While the dough is rising, preheat your coal oven to about 700°F (370°C).

4. 4

   Shape the Pizza

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion out into a pizza shape, about 12 inches in diameter.

5. 5

   Add Toppings

   Place the rolled-out dough on a floured pizza peel. Spread a layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously, and add your choice of toppings.

6. 6

   Bake the Pizza

   Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot coal oven stone. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

7. 7

   Garnish and Serve

   Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.