Pizza dough

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to the hottest it will go (around 240°C, fan 220°C, gas 9), before starting to make the dough. Put in a couple of pizza stones, or 2 large baking trays, to get really hot.

Step 2

Mix the flour, yeast, salt and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the oil, then add about 225ml water to bring together as a dough.

Step 3

Tip out onto a floured surface and knead for 1 minute, just until smooth. Leave to rest under the upturned bowl while you prepare your pizza toppings.

Step 4

Sprinkle a large square of baking paper with the cornmeal (or alternative) then place the dough onto the paper.

Step 5

Stretch and press the pizza dough with your fingertips until it is about 30cm diameter, indenting a thicker crust around the edges. The middle should be about 5mm, and the crust about 1cm deep. Repeat to make a second pizza.

Step 6

Spread the pizzas with sauce and add your toppings (don’t add too many, or you’ll end up with a soggy pizza).

Step 7

Slide the pizzas onto the preheated pizza stones or hot baking trays, still on the lining paper to help lift them easily. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the base is golden and crisp.