-
1
FOR THE CRUST:
-
2
Sift the flour, 2 teaspoon of salt, and sugar into a medium sized bowl.
-
3
Set aside.
-
4
Pour the warm water into a large glass bowl.
-
5
Add the packet of yeast and mix together.
-
6
Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until tiny bubbles start forming.
-
7
Add the sifted flour mixture in 3 small batches while slowly stirring with a wooden spoon.
-
8
When it becomes less sticky, mix with your hands.
-
9
Add the corn meal and olive oil and mix with hands until the dough is thoroughly mixed.
-
10
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead until dough is smooth.
-
11
Place dough into a greased large glass bowl.
-
12
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise to about double its size.
-
13
This will take 45 minutes to an hour.
-
14
MEANWHILE, FOR THE PIZZA SAUCE:
-
15
Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a small saucepan over medium heat.
-
16
Mince the 5 cloves of garlic and add to pan, sauteing for about 1 minute, or until golden brown.
-
17
Add half of the 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes.
-
18
Add the 1 teaspoon of salt, dried oregano, and red chile flakes, and stir.
-
19
Add the tomato paste, and mix until everything is well incorporated.
-
20
Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered until sauce thickens (about 15 minutes).
-
21
ASSEMBLY:
-
22
Grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet with a bit of olive oil.
-
23
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface, and roll into a rectangle.
-
24
Now, using your hands (you can use your fists and lay the dough over them and allow gravity to do the work), make a circle with the dough.
-
25
This technique is what you see the pizza chefs do in restaurants when they twirl the dough and throw it in the air.
-
26
Transfer dough to the cast iron skillet.
-
27
Spread dough around the bottom of the skillet and up the sides, making it as even as possible.
-
28
Let the dough sit and rise another 15 minutes.
-
29
When the dough has risen, brush the bottom very lightly with the pizza sauce.
-
30
Layer the pepperoni on top of the sauce.
-
31
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese blend followed by 1 cup of the mozzarella.
-
32
Spread the rest of the pizza sauce evenly on top of the cheese.
-
33
Add the onions, mushrooms, green bell pepper slices, and olives, spreading it evenly on top of the pizza sauce.
-
34
Add the remaining cup of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
-
35
You can also sprinkle fresh or dried parsley on top for added color.
-
36
Bake on the bottom rack (or bottom 1/3 of the oven) for 15 minutes.
-
37
Then move to the top rack (or top 1/3 of the oven) for 5-10 additional minutes until the cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown, or to your liking.
-
38
Let the pizza rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
-
39
Cut and serve.
-
40
**Note: I like to mix together olive oil, garlic salt, dried basil, and dried oregano, combining them to taste.
-
41
After the pizza bakes on the bottom rack, and before transferring to the top rack, I brush the rim of the pizza with this mixture.
-
42
I also brush the rim of the pizza again after the pizza is done and immediately comes out of the oven.