Making a simple and incredible sourdough pizza in an outdoor pizza oven is an incredibly rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to make your own sourdough pizza:
Ingredients:
For the Sourdough Pizza Dough:
1 cup sourdough starter (100% hydration)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For the Pizza Sauce:
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your choice of toppings (fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, olives, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sourdough Pizza Dough:
a. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, and salt.
b. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms. You may need to adjust the water quantity slightly to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
c. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth.
d. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
a. In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
b. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
c. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Preheat the Outdoor Pizza Oven:
a. Follow your oven's instructions to preheat it to around 500-600°F (260-315°C). A hot oven is crucial for a great pizza crust.
4. Shape and Assemble the Pizza:
a. Punch down the risen sourdough dough and divide it into two portions (for two pizzas).
b. Roll out each portion on a floured surface into a circle or your desired pizza shape. Keep the dough relatively thin.
c. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. This will make it easier to slide the pizza into the oven.
5. Add Toppings:
a. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
b. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
c. Add your choice of toppings, such as fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and olives.
6. Cook in the Pizza Oven:
a. Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or directly onto the oven grates.
b. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
a. Use a pizza peel to remove the pizza from the oven.
b. Let it cool for a minute, then slice it into wedges.
c. Serve your homemade sourdough pizza immediately and savour the unique flavour and texture of the sourdough crust!
This sourdough pizza offers a delightful combination of tangy crust and savoury toppings, cooked to perfection in your pizza oven. Enjoy your delicious homemade creation!