How to make green lantern pizza

 

Making a green lantern pizza from scratch is a delightful culinary adventure that combines art, science, and a bit of patience. This guide will walk you through the process in detail, from preparing the dough to baking your pizza to perfection. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

**For the Dough:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt

**For the Sauce:**
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Toppings:**
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Various toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)

**Instructions**

**1. Prepare the Dough**

1. **Activate the Yeast:**
– In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir to dissolve.
– Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be old or the water too hot/cold, so try again with fresh yeast.

2. **Mix the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
– Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.

3. **Knead the Dough:**
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
– Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
– If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

4. **Let the Dough Rise:**
– Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil.
– Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
– Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

**2. Prepare the Sauce**

1. **Cook the Sauce:**

– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, but not browned.
– Add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
– Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 **3. Preheat the Oven**

– Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.

 **4. Shape the Dough**

1. **Punch Down the Dough:**
– Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

2. **Roll Out the Dough:**
– Divide the dough into two equal portions for two medium pizzas or keep it whole for one large green lantern pizza.
– Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to your desired thickness, typically about ¼ inch for a thin crust.
– Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or an oiled baking sheet if you’re not using a pizza stone.

 **5. Assemble the Pizza**

1. **Add the Sauce:**
– Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

2. **Add Cheese and Toppings:**
– Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
– Add any other toppings of your choice, such as slices of pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
– Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

**6. Bake the Pizza**

1. **Bake the Pizza:**
– If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the preheated stone.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
– If using a baking sheet, place it in the oven and bake for the same amount of time.

2. **Check for Doneness:**
– The pizza is done when the crust is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned.

**7. Cool and Slice**

1. **Cool Slightly:**
– Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack or cutting board.

2. **Slice and Serve:**
– Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizza into wedges or squares.
– Serve hot and enjoy!

green lantern pizza

**Additional Tips**

– **Dough Variations:** For a whole wheat crust, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
– **Sauce Variations:** Try adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce if you prefer a sweeter taste, or mix in some fresh basil for extra flavor.
– **Topping Ideas:** Experiment with different combinations like BBQ chicken, Mediterranean (with olives and feta), or a classic Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil).
– **Freezing Dough:** You can freeze dough for later use. After the first rise, divide it into portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Making pizza at home allows you to customize every aspect to suit your taste, from the thickness of the crust to the selection of toppings. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the delicious results!