Categories: Pasta- Pasta Sauce- Pizza- Flatbread
Ingredients
- 5 cups unbleached bread flour
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (or honey)
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt (or 2 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt)
- 1 tsp. instant yeast or fast rising yeast
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 3/4 cups plus 1 Tbsp. water, room temperature
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
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In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with dough hook, or in a large bowl using a large spoon, combine all ingredients except cooking spray. Mix on slow speed, or by hand, about 3 minutes, until ingredients are combined and all the flour is wet. Dough will be soft and gluten won’t be fully developed at this point.
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If using an electric mixer, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes. If working by hand, keep mixing with the spoon; you may also turn dough out onto a counter and knead. Mix long enough to create a smooth, supple dough, about 3 minutes. If dough seems very stiff, incorporate more water, a teaspoon at a time, as you mix; if the dough is wet and sticky, sprinkle in more flour as you mix. Dough should be tacky but not sticky. Lightly grease bowl with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Form dough into smooth ball and place in bowl, turning to coat the surface with oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap but do not let wrap touch dough. Let dough stand at room temperature 30 minutes, then refrigerate overnight, or up to 3 days (dough will continue to rise in bowl until it goes dormant from the cold).
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Two hours before you plan to make the pizzas, mist a baking sheet or cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray, or rub lightly with olive oil. Cut dough into 4 equal pieces, and form each piece into a smooth, round ball. Place dough balls on prepared pan, mist lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and cover lightly with plastic wrap. While dough proofs and comes to room temperature, prepare toppings and preheat oven. Stretch dough gently with hands to desired shape, do not roll or mash dough as the air bubbles will make it light and crisp. Use dough to prepare pizzas.
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makes 4 crusts