🍕 la pâte à pizza

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making pizza dough from scratch, inspired by the techniques shared by Chef Philippe Etchebest. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook, mastering pizza dough is essential for creating delicious homemade pizzas.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all necessary ingredients for the pizza dough. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500 grams of all-purpose flour
• 325 milliliters of warm water
• 10 grams of salt
• 5 grams of sugar
• 10 grams of dried yeast
• 30 milliliters of olive oil

Tip: Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water.
2. Sprinkle the dried yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Practical Advice: Ensure the water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Common Pitfall: Avoid adding salt directly to the yeast mixture, as this can inhibit yeast growth.

Step 4: Form the Dough

1. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
2. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid using your hands or a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.

Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Technique: Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
2. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Tip: A turned-off oven with the light on provides a warm, draft-free environment for rising.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Divide it into portions based on how many pizzas you want to make.
3. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.

Practical Advice: Resting allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch the dough.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured surface, take a dough ball and flatten it with your hands.
2. Roll it out using a rolling pin until it reaches your desired thickness.

Tip: Aim for a thickness of about 5-7 mm for a crispy crust.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made pizza dough from scratch. Now you can use this dough to create your favorite pizzas with various toppings. Experiment with different sauces and ingredients to customize your pizza to your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!