not just any pizza recipe

It's Monday-itis here.... although I suspect it is in a lot of other households too after the Melbourne Cup long weekend. So even though it's Wednesday I feel really unmotivated, it's miserable weather (still!) and the kid have had quite a feral morning.  nice!

But when I remembered this lovely meal we had last night, a smile re-appeared and I thought I must share it!  It is in essence a recipe for Pizza, but still so much more! It is not the quickest meal to prepare, involves a few steps, but please, if you love your pizza, and love making your own - give this a go - you will not be disappointed!


What you'll need;

pizza dough

3 large potatoes
approx 3 cups of plain flour
1 teaspoon yeast
1 cup warm water
pinch salt
pinch sugar
dash of olive oil

sauce;

1 small brown onion or half large onion, finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed
1 tin of tomatoes
pinch salt
olive oil

topping;
choose any few toppings you like, but keep it simple and fresh if you can.  We choose to put prosciutto, mozzarella and large green olives on one and shaved ham and mozzarella on the other.

Method.
Ok,  to make the dough first place the potatoes in a pot covered with cold water and boil until nice and soft. allow to cool slightly before peeling the skin and then putting through a ricer or mashing with a fork.

mix dried yeast with warm water and pinch of sugar. stir.

Place the potatoes in a large bowl (you can use your kitchen aid if you have one for this step with the dough hook attachment) and mix together with half the flour and half the water mixture.  Add the pinch of salt to the dough and a good dash of olive oil.  Keep mixing the dough and adding small parts flour and water until you reach a lovely, elastic, and bit sticky dough.  place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with glad wrap and set aside for a few hours to rise.

To make the sauce,   place a small saucepan on medium heat and add oil.  Then add garlic and onions and stir until translucent and fragrant.  Add tin of crushed tomatoes and pinch of salt and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Preheat your oven to about 200 degrees when you are about to begin making the pizza.

To make the pizza, turn your dough onto a well floured bench and knead for a few minutes.  Break the dough in half and place on section on a standard baking tray (that has been lightly oiled) and begin to stretch it out with your fingers.  It does not have to be even and if it breaks just use your fingertips to massage the dough back together.  repeat for the other half of dough.

Then the fun part - liberally add the sauce with a spoon using the back of it to spread it around.  Add the topping of your choice and bake in the oven for around 25 minutes or when you can lift the dough up off the tray and check that it's done.

Cut into square size pieces and enjoy
xx