Everybody loves pizza! Why not make your own, starting with the pizza base, a tasty tomato sauce, and whatever toppings take your fancy!
INGREDIENTS FOR TOMATO SAUCE
· About 6 ripe tomatoes
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 tablespoons salted butter
· 1 red onion, chopped
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon of vinegar
· A sachet of tomato puree
· 1/4 cup sweet chilli sauce
· 2 tablespoons chutney
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· A handful of chopped coriander
· Salt and pepper to taste
INGREDIENTS FOR PIZZA BASE
· 1 sachet active dry yeast
· 1 cup of warm water
· ±2.5 cups of flour
· pinch of salt
· 1 teaspoon of sugar
· 2 teaspoons olive oil
You decide the toppings! Gooey, stringy mozarella...salty, creamy feta...roasted butternut...caramelised onions...fresh coriander...whatever takes your fancy (or whatever is in the fridge!)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOMATO SAUCE
1. Fry your onions until soft then add all the other ingredients and cook on a low heat for a good half an hour. I let mine simmer for an hour and a bit.
2. Once cooled pour the mixture into a blender and blitz until nice and smooth.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PIZZA BASE
1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water, let it sit for at least 5 minutes
2. Using a dough mixer, add the half the flour and the yeast mixture. Mix on a medium speed. You can just use a bowl and spoon here.
3. Add the rest of the flour and then all the salt, sugar and oil. Beat until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is too sticky just add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry then add more water a tablespoon at a time. You have to be able to handle it without it sticking to your hands like glue.
4. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead it on a floured surface for about a minute or so until nice and smooth.
5. Grease a large bowl with some olive oil and pop your ball of dough into it before covering it with some cling wrap and letting it sit in a warm place so it can double in size, usually it takes an hour, but 30 minutes will do.
6. Once your dough is ready, roll it out into a biggish circle, you can roll it as thick or as thin as you like.
7. Cover the top with a nice layer of your tomato sauce, grated cheese and then whatever else takes your pizza fancy. One suggestion: a generous helping of hard cheese, oven baked butternut, sliced mushrooms, feta and then some fresh coriander after it comes out of the oven.
This family-favourite recipe comes from Joburg-based food blogger, Lucky Pony.