Mike's Homemade Pizza Recipe

Ingredients List

For the Dough:

• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast

• 1 cup lukewarm water

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons shortening

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

• ¾ cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon white sugar

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese Selection:

• 1 (12 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or to taste

Instructions

Prepare all the ingredients.

In a large bowl, mix flour, shortening, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, prepare the sauce: Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, water, salt, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, basil, marjoram, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Split the dough in half. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle. Place the dough onto two 12-inch pizza pans, then cover with sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)