FRESH TOMATO PIZZA RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut an "x" in the bottom of each tomato. Fill a large mixing bowl with ice water.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add tomatoes to the boiling water until skins start to curl, about 30 seconds. Remove tomatoes from the boiling water and submerge in the bowl of ice water. When tomatoes have cooled enough to handle, remove from ice water. Remove and discard tomato skins; transfer tomatoes to a blender.
• Blend tomatoes until liquefied, and transfer to a medium saucepan. Add onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until sauce reduces to desired consistency, 60 to 90 minutes.
• Puree sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. Use sauce immediately, or store in the refrigerator overnight to allow flavors to develop.

Steps:

• Pour 700ml of lukewarm water into a large bowl with 10g of sea salt. Gradually mix in a small handful of the flour to break the water and start to turn it into a batter. Mix in the yeast and leave for 2 minutes. Gradually mix in 90% of the remaining flour until you have a pliable, soft dough. Tip the remaining flour on to a clean surface and knead the dough for 20 minutes, or until smooth and elastic (or 10 minutes in a free-standing mixer with a dough hook). Place in a floured bowl, cover with a clean damp tea towel and prove for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Knock out the air with your fists, roll into a sausage shape, chop into 6 equal pieces and roll each one into a ball, stretching the edges underneath. Place on an oiled tray, drizzle with oil, cover with clingfilm and the tea towel and prove overnight in the fridge (for better flavour and a more relaxed dough). Preheat the oven to full whack (240ºC/475ºF/gas 9) and place a pizza stone inside. Use a fish slice to move one ball of dough on to a flour-dusted surface. Press the ball out into a fat round disc, then pick it up and gently turn and stretch it to 30cm in diameter, using gravity to help you. Stretch it over the back of your fists, then place on a floured pizza paddle or board – the dough should be a little thicker around the edges. Pull it into shape and give it a jiggle so you know it’s free-moving. Working quickly and with restraint, add your chosen toppings. Quickly shunt on to your pizza stone and close the oven door to retain heat. Wait 7 or 8 minutes and it’ll be golden, crisp and ready to eat.