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1
To make the pizza dough in a bowl cream the fresh yeast with the sugar then whisk in the hot water.
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2
Leave for 10 min till frothy.
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3
If using dry yeast follow the packet instructions.
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4
Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the centre.
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5
Pour in the yeast mix extra virgin olive oil and salt.
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6
Mix together with a roundbladed knife then using your hands till the dough comes together.
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7
tip out onto a floured surface.
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8
With clean dry hands knead the dough for 10 min till smooth elastic and quite soft.
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9
If too soft to handle knead in a little more flour.
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10
Place in a clean oiled bowl cover with a damp teatowel and set on a folded towel on the lid of the simmering plate.
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11
Leave to rise for about 1 hour till doubled in size.
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12
Thinly slice the aubergines lengthwise.
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13
Lay the aubergine slices in a single layer on lightly oiled baking sheets.
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14
Season with salt and pepper and brush with a little oil.
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15
Bake in batches on the top shelf of the roasting ovenfor 10 min turning halfway through cooking.
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16
Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large ovenproof frying pan on the simmering plate.
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17
Add in the onions and cook for 5 min.
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18
Season with salt and pepper then transfer to the floor of the roasting ovenfor 20 to 25 min or possibly till soft stirring from time to time.
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19
Meanwhile heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan on the boiling plate.
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20
Add in half of the mushrooms and fry briskly; season and drain off excess liquid.
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21
Repeat with the remaining mushrooms then add in the minced thyme.
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22
Add in the balsamic vinegar to the onions.
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23
Oil the cool plain aga shelf.
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24
Knock back the risen pizza dough and roll out to cover the cold shelf.
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25
Spread the sundried tomato paste over the dough.
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26
Spoon over the onions then cover with the mushrooms.
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27
Arrange the aubergine slices on top and finally cover with the sliced mozzarella.
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28
Drizzle over 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
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29
Slide the shelf onto the top set of runners in the roasting ovenand bake for 10 to 15 min then lower to the floor of the ovenand cook for a further 5 - 10 min or possibly till the pizza is golden and cooked through to the centre.
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30
Serve at once.