Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 package rapid rise yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon each of basil, garlic, and oregano.
Directions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Set it aside for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. You can also add in the optional basil, garlic, and oregano at this stage to enhance the flavor of the dough.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it is no longer sticky.
4. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes around 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
6. Punch the dough down and place it into a well-oiled 12" pizza pan. Alternatively, you can use a square dish, such as a 10"x10" pan, which is common in Sicilian tradition.
7. Using your hands, spread the dough around the bottom of the pan and 2/3 of the way up the sides. Set it aside and let it rise for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil and add your desired sauce and toppings. Traditional Sicilian pizzas are usually light on toppings and commonly include tomato, onions, anchovies, and herbs. You can also use Italian cheeses such as Parmesan or mozzarella.
9. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
By following these steps, you'll be able to make a delicious homemade pizza with a flavorful crust. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize your pizza to your taste. Enjoy your homemade Sicilian-style pizza!
