Ammama'S Favorite Pizza

1. 1

   Combine the flour, sugar, yeast and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and combine. While the mixer is running, add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil and beat until the dough forms into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.

2. 2

   Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm area to let it double in size, about 1 hour.

3. 3

   While the dough is rising, mince the garlic, and slice the red onions, eggplant,and green bell pepper. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the onions, sauteing until transluscent. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, eggplant rounds, and continue to cook until the eggplant is soft, about 10 minutes. Add in the green bell pepper slices about 5 minutes after adding the eggplant, cooking until tender but still a little crunchy.

4. 4

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, punch it down slightly, and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Cover each with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   While the dough is resting, heat the oven to 400u00b0F (205u00b0C) and prepare a sheet pan or pizza stone with a little flour or cornmeal, to prevent the dough from sticking.

6. 6

   After the dough has rested, flour a work surface, and stretch out the dough with a rolling pin and your hands into two round pizza shapes, about 14 inches in diameter.

7. 7

   Spread the dough with a thin layer of pizza sauce, and top with the cooked topping mixture, sliced mushrooms, and shredded cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let baked pizza cool for 5 minutes before topping with chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.