Basic Pizza Dough

By Ellan

Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast or 1/4 oz. compressed yeast
• 1 1/2 to 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tab. olive oil, plus more for greasing bowl.
• 1/2 teas. salt
• 1/2 teas. creole seasoning

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine yeast and 1 1/2 cup flour with 1 cup lukewarm water, stirring to mix well. Stir in oil, salt, Creole seasoning and just enough of remaining flour, a handful at a time, until dough holds its shape. Turn out dough onto a lightly-floured work surface and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Add a little more flour if dough becomes too sticky.

Lightly oil a 2 quart bowl. Transfer dough to bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Turn out dough onto lightly-floured work surface, push gently to squeeze out air bubbles, and divide into 2 to 4 pieces. Roll dough into balls, cover with a damp cloth and let rest 15 to 20 minutes before using.