– **Title**: Quick Sourdough Pizza Dough (Same Day)
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water (adjust as needed)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter with the lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix well until fully combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
4. Once combined, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature. This rest time will allow the dough to relax and enhance its flavor.
6. After resting, divide the dough into two equal portions if making two pizzas. Shape each portion into a ball and let rest for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), and if using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
8. Roll out one ball of dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
9. Add your favorite toppings to the rolled-out dough.
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven, let cool for a couple of minutes, slice, and enjoy!
This quick sourdough pizza dough recipe allows you to enjoy fresh sourdough pizza on the same day, utilizing the natural leavening power of sourdough starter for great flavor and texture.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is great for pizza dough because it gives a nice balance of structure and chewiness. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
Sourdough Starter: An active, bubbly starter is key for this recipe. If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can substitute with 1 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk to add some tang, but keep in mind it won’t have the same flavor depth.
Salt: Salt is essential for flavor and helps control yeast activity. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using a salt substitute or cutting back slightly, but don’t omit it entirely!
Sugar: This optional ingredient helps improve browning and adds a touch of sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, it’s perfectly fine to leave it out without impacting the dough too much.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the dough moist. You can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Achieve a Smooth and Elastic Dough?
Kneading the dough properly is crucial for great results. It’s how you develop gluten, which gives the dough its structure. If your dough feels sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more flour as you knead. Here’s a quick guide:
- Dust your work surface and your hands with flour to prevent sticking.
- Knead the dough by pushing it away with the heels of your hands and folding it back again. Rotate it a bit and repeat.
- Continue kneading for about 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. You can do the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough; it should become thin without breaking.
Quick Sourdough Pizza Dough (Same Day)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 3/4 cup warm water (temperature around 100°F/38°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing and flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 1-2 hours for the dough to rise. Once the dough has risen, you’ll need about 10-15 minutes to bake your pizzas. Overall, you can expect a delicious homemade pizza ready in about 2 to 2.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combining the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the bubbly sourdough starter with sugar (if you’re using it) and warm water. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. This will get everything nice and bubbly!
2. Making the Dough:
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry too much about it being perfect right now—it’s just the beginning!
3. Kneading:
Now, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and transfer your dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little bit more flour as you knead.
4. Letting the Dough Rise:
Shape your dough into a ball and lightly coat it with olive oil. Place the greased dough in a bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. Prepping for Baking:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to its highest setting—usually around 475°F (245°C). Don’t forget to prepare your baking sheet or pizza stone so it’s ready when you need it!
6. Shaping the Pizza:
Gently punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles, then turn it out onto a floured surface. You can divide the dough into two equal portions for two pizzas, or keep it as one large pizza if you prefer. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape.
7. Topping and Baking:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to your baking sheet or pizza stone. Add your favorite toppings, whether it’s tomato sauce, cheese, veggies, or meats—get creative! Then, bake in your preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
8. Enjoying Your Pizza:
Once done, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a minute, slice it up, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade sourdough pizza!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the dough may be denser. For best results, consider using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to retain some lightness while adding health benefits. You may also need to slightly increase the water if the dough appears too dry.
What If My Sourdough Starter Isn’t Active?
If your sourdough starter isn’t active, it won’t rise properly. To ensure it’s ready, feed your starter 4-8 hours before using it when it’s visibly bubbly and has doubled in size. If you’re in a pinch, you can use a store-bought bread yeast as a substitute, but the flavor will differ.
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza Dough?
Leftover pizza dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
What Toppings Go Best with Sourdough Pizza Dough?
You can really get creative with toppings! Classic options include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil. For a twist, try roasted vegetables, goat cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Just remember not to overload the pizza, as it may affect baking times and the crust texture!
