DISH NAME : PIZZA BASE-WHOLE WHEAT

Preparation Time : 1 hour 30 minutes

Baking Time : 5 minutes

Description

Pizza, the italian bread is pronounced 'peet-za'. It is an oven baked bread topped with tomato sauce, cheese and veg and non veg ingredients. Traditionally pizzas are baked in a wood fired brick oven.
Usually pizzas are made with all purpose flour( maida), but this recipe uses whole wheat flour, which is healthier than all purpose flour.
"Blooming" is a process to test whether the yeast is alive. Proofing yeast refers to the process of first dissolving yeast in warm water. This is done to hydrate dried active yeast. Sugar is added while proofing yeast. If the yeast is active or alive, it will feed on the sugar and produce a visible layer of bubbles on the surface of the water mixture.

Note

1) If using fresh yeast, use double the quantity of dry yeast.
2) Knead the dough thoroughly until it is springy, smooth and elastic.
3) Lukewarm means neither hot nor cold. If the water is too hot, yeast, which is a micro organism will die. If the water is cold it will not bloom. Sugar is added as a feed for yeast.

Method

1) Add yeast and sugar to water. Keep aside covered for the yeast to bloom. It will froth when done.
2) After yeast blooms or froths, add to whole wheat flour. Add salt and olive oil. Knead to a soft dough using enough water.
3) Cover the dough with a wet towel and keep aside for about 45 minutes till the dough doubles in volume.
4) Press the dough lightly to remove air and divide into 3 equal portions. Again cover with a wet cloth. Keep aside for 30 minutes.
5) Roll each portion into 9 inch rounds for thin crust base and around 7 inches for a normal thick pizza.
6) Pre heat oven at 200 degree Celsius. Prick the pizza bases with a fork to prevent puffing up.
7) Bake in the pre heated oven for about 5 minutes. Or you can freeze the pizza base without baking for later use. In that case thaw before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve after baking with toppings