Very easy to prepare, this is a great recipe to make with your toddler. Pizza is always a kids’ favorite and a treat for the all family. You can involve everyone with the choice of toppings and be creative.
This recipe serves approx 4-6 adults or 8-12 toddlers
Making time: – approx 20 mins / Rest dough: 1.5 – 2hours/ Cook:- approx 10-15 mins
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500g of strong bread flour
- 7g (1 sachet) of dried yeast
- 2 tblsp salt
- 1 tsp of caster sugar
- 300ml of WARM water
For the tomatoe sauce:
- 2 cans of chopped tomatoes
- Mixed herbs: oregano, basil & parsley
- 1 tsp of caster sugar
- 1 tsp of tomatoe puree
- 1 pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dough
On a clean work surface or in a bowl, put the dry mix of flour, yeast, salt, sugar and make a well in the middle. Then gradually pour the warm water into the well. It is important for the water to be lukewarm as if it is cold, it will kill the yeast and stop th
e dough rising.
Bring the flour in gradually from the sides and swirl it into the liquid. Keep mixing until it all binds together. On a flat work surface knead until you have a smooth, springy dough.
Place the dough ball in a large bowl, cover it with a damp cloth and then place it in a warm room (e.g. airing cupboard) for 1.5 to 2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
When the dough has risen, dust your flat work surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5- 10mins to push the air out with your hands. Using the palm of your hands is best for kneading. Then divide the dough in as many pizzas you wish to make and, with a rolling pin, roll flat each ball of dough to the thickness of your choice. The thinner, the crispier.
2. Prepare the sauce.
In a large non-stick frying pan add the tomatoes, herbs and tomatoe puree. Squash the tomatoes using the back of a wooden spoon, then add a tsp of sugar to remove acidity. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 5 mins to reduce the sauce to about 50% of its initial volume. It will thicken the sauce to the right consistency for spreading on the pizza and it will also concentrate the flavours.
3. Turn your oven on to pre-heat at gas mark 9 (240C / 475F.)
4. Spread thinly some tomatoe sauce on the dough base. Make sure that you do not put too much sauce to avoid a soggy base. Then put your toppings on. You can go for just cheese, or anything you like, feel free to experiment!
5. Put in the pizza on a metal tray and place on the top shelf of the oven for 12 to 15 mins.
6. Enjoy!
Tips & suggestions
- If you do not wish to use the dough immediately, wrap it in cling film and you can keep it in the fridge for 24h, or you can freeze it. Defrosting will take about 2 hours.
- Mozarella cheese is great for pizza as it is very stringy when it melts but it has a very mild flavour. So for an extra cheesy taste, you can mix it with another stronger cheese such as parmesan or cheddar for example.
- To reduce the chance of a soggy base, you can also try pre-heating the tray that you will use to bake your pizza onto.
- If you do not fancy making the dough yourself, you can try puting your sauce & toppings on pitta bread or ciabatta and grill for about 10mins or until the topping is bubbling & golden.
Allergens advice: Please note that some people may be allergic to the following foods which are contained in this recipe; Wheat. If you have any concerns regarding allergens affecting your baby or toddler, please speak to your health visitor or doctor.
