FAMILY PIZZA SLICE
Serves 4 (See left)
Dough
350g plain flour
2 tsp instant dried yeast
1½ tsp sea salt
1 tsp white sugar
20ml extra virgin olive oil
260ml warm water
Sauce
20ml extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1¼ tsp tomato paste
400g tin diced tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes ¾ tsp soft brown sugar ½ tsp sea salt
2 tsp tomato chutney
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
250g selected cheeses such as mozzarella, grated tasty cheddar, grated parmesan, soft ricotta, feta
Toppings of your choice such as salami, ham, cooked meats or seafood, semi-dried tomatoes, capsicum, onion, fresh herbs, anchovies
1. To make the dough, mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre then, using a large metal spoon, stir in oil and enough warm water to make a soft dough. Don’t add more water than is necessary or it will become too wet.
2. Cover bowl with a clean tea towel and leave to rise until doubled in size – around 1 hour. While dough is rising, prepare sauce.
3. To make the sauce, heat oil in a saucepan and saute garlic for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a further 1 minute.
Add remaining ingredients, then bring to the boil, stirring now and then. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thick. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Preheat oven to 210°C. Brush a 35cm x 25cm slab tin that is 5cm deep liberally with olive oil.
5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes or until smooth, using extra flour if required. Pat it out to same size as prepared tin, then press into place.
6. Spread sauce over pizza base as desired (see tip). Sprinkle with small amount of cheese. Add desired toppings (excluding herbs) and remaining cheese (see tip).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Add fresh herbs, cut into squares or slices and serve.
TIPS: Any excess tomato sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. Don’t overload pizza with toppings, as the base may not cook properly and it might become soggy. >