Homemade Pizza Dough

This is a nice little recipe that I like to make whenever I get in the mood to make homemade pizza, calzones or little pizza pockets. It is very easy to make and you can add any flavor you like. I sometimes add herbs, garlic, Lemon or lime zest, or flax to the dough for added flavor. Like any other dough, you have to let this one rise for a few hours before cooking. In this description, I will give you a few variations on how you can prepare this dough. So let’s get started.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of water, slightly warm
1/2 cup of water, slightly warm
1 tbsp of sweetener of choice ( agave, maple syrup, coconut sugar or plain sugar)
4 cups of bread flour ( plus a little more for dusting later)
1 packet of yeast ( or 1 tbsp spoon)
a pinch of salt
1 tbsp coconut oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl combine the 1/2 cup of water and the sweetener of choice. I used agave syrup. Mix this until they are both combined. Add in the yeast and gently stir until combined. Set aside for about 10 to 15 minutes so the yeast develops.
2.  In a stand mixer combine the bread flour, salt, and any herbs or spices you choose. Mix until well combined. When the yeast has developed add it to the bread flour along with the remaining water and coconut oil.
3. Add the dough hook to the mixer and turn on to level 1 and mix until crumbly. Turn mixer to level 2 or 3 and let it mix until the dough forms into a ball and comes away from the side of the bowl. about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove the dough from the mixer and sprinkle the counter with a little bit of flour. Be careful to not add too much. Knead the dough until the dough is elastic. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. It should bounce back when poked with your finger.
5. Lightly spray a bowl with oil spray or coconut oil and place the dough into the bowl. Turn the dough to cover with some of the oil. Cover with lint-free tea towel and place into a warm place to rise. I usually put it in the oven with the oven turned off for about 2 hours.
6. After two hours, remove the dough and punched the dough down and knead the dough for about 1 to 2 minutes. Place back into the bowl, cover and put back into the oven to rise for 1 hour longer. Pre-heat your oven to 500*
7. After the last rise of the dough, you can shape into a pizza crust or cut into smaller pieces and shape into a calzone shape or into pieces for pizza pockets.
8. Place on an oiled pan and add your toppings. If you are making a calzone or pizza pockets be sure to slit holes into the top after folding over the toppings to keep the inside of the pockets from coming out.
9. If you are making the pockets or calzones be sure to crimp the edges to seal the insides into the pockets.
10. Bake in a 500* oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the dough to prevent burning the edges.
11. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Things to add into the dough.

Herbs such as parsley, oregano, or  Italian seasoning

Red pepper flakes

Lemon or lime zest

garlic

Flaxseed

Vegan parmesan cheese