Marinara Pizza Recipe

Serves: 1 x 12-inch pizza (2-3 people)
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (includes dough rising)

 

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Ingredients

Pizza Dough

• Bread flour: 2.5 cups (~300g)

• Warm water (110°F/43°C): 1 cup (240ml)

• Active dry yeast: 1 tsp (~3g)

• Salt: 1 tsp (~6g)

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15ml)

Tomato Sauce

• Canned crushed tomatoes (unsalted): 1 cup (8 oz/227g)

• Garlic: 3 cloves (thinly sliced or crushed)

• Dried oregano: 1 tsp

• Red pepper flakes (optional): ¼ tsp

• Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp (30ml)

• Salt: ½ tsp

• Black pepper: ¼ tsp

Toppings

• Fresh anchovy fillets (optional): 4-6

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A handful

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Instructions

1. Make the Pizza Dough (1 hour rise)

1. Activate yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar (optional). Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead: On a floured surface, knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.

2. Prepare Tomato Sauce (10 minutes)

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-low. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

3. Assemble & Bake (20 minutes)

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

2. Shape dough: Punch down risen dough. Roll into a 12-inch circle (~¼-inch thick).

3. Add toppings: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with anchovies (if using).

4. Drizzle oil: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the pizza.

4. Bake (10-12 minutes)

1. Bake: Transfer pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and crispy.

2. Garnish: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips

 

• Dough shortcut: Use 1 lb store-bought pizza dough to save time.

• Flavor boost: Replace anchovies with 1 tsp anchovy paste mixed into the sauce.

• Crispy crust: Preheat pizza stone for at least 30 minutes.