NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA DOUGH

     

     This year, I had the joy of traveling to the Big Apple in search of something that had always been missing: the secret to great pizza dough. At a point in my life, I decided to try something different and became a chef at a small Italian restaurant. Though I chose this for multiple reasons, the main reason was to figure out how to make a quality pizza like they have almost everywhere in New York City.

     After much testing, gaining about 5 lbs., and talking with some of the best pizza chefs in the state I believe I have figured out the secret… IT’S THE WATER! I know we can not all have New York City water (I did bring almost a gallon home on the plane to use at a later time), but with their input and some trial and error the creation of a great NY style pizza is possible anywhere.

INGREDIENTS

6 cups All-Purpose Flour

2 ¼ cups Water (Lukewarm)

1 tsp. Instant Dry Yeast

2 ½ tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Sugar

1 Tbl. Olive Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1.      In a mixing bowl, place water at lukewarm temperature

2.      In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast till combined (a fork works best for this)

3.      Using a dough hook, slowly add dry ingredients to the water allowing time to combine and form dough ball. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated.

4.      After dough has formed, add olive oil and allow to adhere to the dough ball.

5.      Take dough out of mixer and place on a smooth floured surface. Divide dough into 4 equal parts (each weighing approximately 12 oz.)

6.      Knead each ball for 3-4 minutes to finish incorporating olive oil into dough.

7.      Place individual dough balls in oiled, sealed quart sized containers OR oiled quart size zip-loc style bags.

8.      Refrigerate for 10-12 hours (the longer the better).

9.      Remove from refrigeration and allow dough to sit at room temperature till double its original size.

10.  Stretch and form as desired.

Baking pizza at 425 degrees is ideal but can vary based on toppings and environment. I have used this same dough for making pizza on a grill with great success as well.

I hope you enjoy this pizza dough recipe as much as I enjoyed creating it.