Dartmoor Pizza (My easy no prove dough)
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious homemade pizza? Look no further than the no-proof pizza dough recipe. This recipe allows you to skip the proving process, saving you time without sacrificing flavour. In this blog post, I will walk you through the basics of no-proof pizza dough, the method and ingredients needed, as well as tips for customising your dough and choosing the perfect toppings. Get ready to master the art of making pizza from scratch in no time!
Friday night in my household only means one thing...PIZZA FRIDAY! Now although I love cooking and baking as you all well know, I have also been known to be extremely lazy after a long day at work and buy a cheap shop pizza and whack a few extra toppings on because lets be honest they are convenient. Well that was until I discovered my no prove pizza dough which is honestly in my opinion better than the proved stuff. This recipe is a case of chucking all the ingredients together, mixing for a couple minutes and then leaving to rest while you sort out your toppings. Or if you're anything like me I had my prepared so assembled my pizza straight away. No kneading for 10 minutes, no waiting an hour for the dough to rise.
No-proof pizza dough revolutionises the homemade pizza experience by eliminating the lengthy proving time required in traditional recipes. This innovative approach is ideal for those craving the authenticity and satisfaction of homemade pizza without the usual wait. By forgoing the proving step, this recipe not only simplifies the pizza-making process but also drastically reduces preparation time, making it a perfect solution for last-minute meal plans or spontaneous pizza nights.
The essence of no-proof pizza dough lies in its quick and easy preparation, offering a viable alternative for busy individuals who still value the flavour and texture of a freshly baked pizza base. Despite bypassing the proving phase, this dough achieves a desirable crust that is both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, rivalling that of its time-consuming counterparts.
At the heart of no-proof pizza dough is its basic yet effective ingredient list, combined with a straightforward mixing method. This dough's adaptability means it serves as an excellent foundation for a variety of pizza styles, from the classic Margherita to more inventive creations. By understanding the fundamentals of no-proof pizza dough, you're equipped to explore the endless possibilities of homemade pizza, tailored precisely to your taste preferences and time constraints.
Ingredients
- 400g Bread Flour
- 1x7g Dried Yeast
- 1tsp Salt
- 1tsp Caster Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 225ml Warm Water
- Plain Flour (For dusting & rolling out)
- Toppings of your choice
To embark on crafting your no-proof pizza dough, begin by placing all your dry ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate the lukewarm water alongside a drizzle of olive oil, stirring continuously until the mixture coheres into a pliable dough. It's crucial during this stage to mix thoroughly, ensuring that no dry spots remain, yet being mindful not to over mix as this could compromise the texture of your finished crust.
Once your dough has formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Here, you’ll gently knead it for a brief moment to form a smooth ball. Unlike traditional doughs that require extensive kneading and rest times to develop gluten, this no-proof variant simplifies the process significantly. There's no need for a resting period; however, allowing the dough to sit for a short interval can make it more manageable and easier to shape.
Next, you're ready to roll or stretch your dough to your desired thickness and shape. Whether you're aiming for a classic round, a rustic rectangle, or an adventurous heart shape, the no-proof dough is versatile and forgiving. This immediacy from mixing bowl to oven not only streamlines the pizza-making process but also invites spontaneity into your kitchen. Following these steps will set the foundation for a delightful pizza-making experience, leading straight to the joy of adding your chosen toppings and awaiting the oven's magic.
Customisation is at the heart of the no-proof pizza dough's appeal, offering you the freedom to infuse personal touches into your base. Tailoring the thickness of your dough is a simple yet effective way to cater to individual preferences, enabling the creation of either a slender, crisp foundation or a more robust, chewy base. Furthermore, the versatility of this dough extends to flavour enhancement, with the option to incorporate various seasonings and herbs directly into the mix. Adding a pinch of garlic powder, dried oregano, or even a sprinkle of chilli flakes can elevate the dough with aromatic undertones, creating a unique and memorable pizza experience. For those inclined towards a richer, more textured crust, experimenting with the inclusion of wholemeal flour or a handful of grated Parmesan offers additional layers of complexity and taste. This adaptability not only makes the no-proof pizza dough a reliable recipe for any pizza lover but also encourages culinary creativity, inviting you to explore and refine your preferred dough characteristics. The possibilities for customisation are virtually limitless, empowering you to craft the perfect base for your ultimate homemade pizza creation.
Selecting the right toppings and mastering the baking process are crucial steps in achieving pizza perfection. Begin by spreading your sauce of choice thinly across the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for that quintessential crust. When it comes to cheese, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella is classic, but don’t shy away from experimenting with gorgonzola, ricotta, or vegan alternatives to suit your taste and dietary preferences. As for toppings, the sky is the limit – from slices of spicy salami, fresh basil leaves, artichoke hearts, to unconventional options like pear and gorgonzola; your imagination is your only boundary.
Before you pop your pizza into the oven, a crucial tip is to ensure your oven is as hot as it can go – ideally preheated to 250°C (482°F) if possible. This high temperature is key to achieving a golden, bubbling crust and perfectly melted cheese in a short amount of time. If available, bake your pizza on a preheated pizza stone or a heavy-duty baking tray to mimic the base crisping effects of a traditional pizza oven. Slide your creation onto the hot surface and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until you observe a golden crust and bubbling toppings. This method not only cooks the pizza evenly but also enhances the dough’s flavour, producing that coveted pizzeria-quality outcome right in your own kitchen.
Venturing into the world of no-proof pizza dough can be an exciting journey, but it's not without its pitfalls. A frequent error among novices is the temptation to over-knead the dough. Excessive kneading can toughen the dough, resulting in a crust that's less than desirable. It's vital to strike a balance; knead just enough to bring the dough together into a smooth, cohesive ball. Another oversight involves the misuse of yeast; ensure that the yeast is fresh and correctly measured. Too much yeast can cause the dough to rise too rapidly, leading to an overly yeasty flavour, while too little might not give the lift needed for that perfect crust.
Moreover, overlooking the resting time, albeit brief in no-proof recipes, can make the dough less pliable and more challenging to work with. Allowing the dough a few minutes to relax after mixing makes it easier to shape without tearing. Lastly, an uneven application of toppings or overloading your pizza can result in a soggy base, overshadowing the crispness of the crust. Be mindful of your topping choices and distribution to maintain the integrity of your base. Steering clear of these common errors will elevate your no-proof pizza dough experience, bringing you closer to achieving homemade pizza bliss.
After the golden crust has emerged from the oven, bubbling with your choice of toppings, it's the moment to indulge in the fruits of your labour. Serving your pizza right away ensures that every slice delivers the optimum blend of crunch and melt. This dish, perfect for any gathering, elevates the dining experience, whether it's a casual family dinner or a convivial evening with friends. Complement your pizza with a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness, or perhaps a glass of chilled beer to echo the convivial spirit of Italian dining. Savour each bite, knowing you've created something truly special with minimal fuss but maximum flavour. Enjoyment lies not just in the eating, but in the shared experience of crafting and customising a meal that brings people together.
This is such a fun, quick and easy recipe, you can change the toppings to whatever you want and because its so quick you could even get the kids involved in making their own dough.
If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
*Chefs Kiss*
