3/4cup+ 2 1/2 tablespoons lukewarm water (105F/40F) divided(213 grams)
2 1/2cupsall purpose or bread flour(325 grams)
1teaspoonactive dry yeast
3/4teaspoonsalt
FOR THE TOPPING
2tablespoonsolive oil
1clovegarlic minced
2cupschopped or sliced mushrooms(150 grams)
1/2mediumonion chopped
13grape or cherry tomatoes halved
2Italian sausages (casing removed and chopped)
1/2-3/4teaspoonoregano
1/2teaspoonbasil (or fresh basil leaves)
1-2pincheshot pepper flakes
1cupmozzarella cheese shredded (more if desired)(225 grams)
Instructions
FOR THE PIZZA DOUGH
In the stand up mixer add 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon lukewarm water and sprinkle with the yeast, let sit for 5 minutes. Start the mixer and add half the flour, knead with the dough hook. Add the remaining flour and salt. Continue to knead, if too dry then add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of water, continue to knead for 8-10 minutes.
Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and knead a few times into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, rolling it to lightly cover the top with the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and let rise for an hour in a warm draft free room. Remove the dough from the bowl punch it down a few times. Divide the dough into 2 parts or leave one if making a thick crust pizza*. Cover again and let rise for an hour. Again knead the dough a couple of times, then place on the lightly greased pan/skillet and let rest for 15 - 20 minutes.
With your hands shape the dough to fill the pan. Place the pan on low heat, cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Flip the dough over and spread the topping on the top. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, uncover and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Check to make sure the bottom of the pizza has browned. Serve immediately.
*I made one thick crust pizza using an 11 inch (28 cm) pan.
FOR THE TOPPING
In a medium frying pan add the olive oil, garlic, chopped mushroom, onion, tomatoes, chopped sausage and spices. Cook until tender.