Making pizza at home is not only fun but also incredibly satisfying—especially when you prepare the dough from scratch. Here's a step-by-step guide based on my personal experience of making delicious homemade pizza. You don’t need an oven; I made mine in a kadhai (deep pan), but you can also use a microwave oven if you prefer.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the following:
* 4 teaspoons of yeast
* 2 teaspoons of sugar
* A little lukewarm water (just enough to dissolve the yeast and sugar)
Stir well and keep it in a warm place for 5–10 minutes. Once the mixture becomes frothy and bubbles rise to the top, your yeast is activated and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl:
* Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour (maida)
* Add 2 teaspoons of salt
* Pour in the activated yeast mixture
* Gradually add water as needed and knead into a dough
Once it starts to come together, take it out onto a clean kitchen surface. Apply some oil to your hands, on the surface, and on top of the dough to make it easier to knead. Stretch and fold the dough several times until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Now, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or cling wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours. The dough will rise and double in size.
Tip: You’ll know the dough is ready when you press it lightly with your finger and it springs back slowly.
Step 3: Shape and Top the Pizza
Take a portion of the risen dough and flatten it to your desired thickness. Place it on a pizza plate or baking tray.
Add your favorite toppings:
* Pizza sauce
* Sliced onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, sweet corn, paneer, etc.
* Cheese of your choice
Step 4: Cook the Pizza
I cooked my pizza in a kadhai:
1. Preheat the kadhai with a stand or ring inside to elevate the pizza plate.
2. Carefully place the pizza on a plate that fits inside the kadhai.
3. Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.
You can also bake it in a preheated oven at 180–200°C (350–400°F) for about 15–20 minutes.
Issue I Faced: Dough Sticking to the Plate
When I made the pizza, it stuck to the plate a little bit. I'm not sure exactly why, but I think it might be because:
* I didn’t apply oil or flour under the base
* The plate wasn't non-stick or lined properly
* The dough was too moist or soft
Possible Solutions:
* Lightly grease the plate or use baking paper
* Sprinkle some semolina or flour underneath the base
* Ensure the dough isn’t too sticky—add a bit more flour while kneading if needed
If you've tried making pizza at home or faced a similar issue, let me know in the comments—I'd love to hear your tips!
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