Chilli Prawn Pizza

Pizza Dough

Makes 3–4 pizzas

Ingredients

• 3 cups 00 flour

• 1 cup plain flour

• 2g instant dried yeast

• 10g salt

• 1½ cups warm water

• Olive oil, for greasing the bowl

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead until smooth and elastic.

2. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover and leave to rise for at least 2 hours.

3. For the best flavour and texture, refrigerate overnight to cold ferment.

4. The dough will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 x 400g tin Mutti crushed tomatoes

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp white sugar

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• Small handful fresh basil, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside until ready to use.

Toppings (per pizza)

• 6 large raw prawns, halved lengthways

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ red onion, finely sliced

• 1 cup grated mozzarella

To Finish

• Italian chilli

• Fresh basil leaves

• Extra virgin olive oil

Assembly & Cooking

1. Stretch or roll the dough into your desired shape.

2. Spread with a thin layer of pizza sauce.

3. Top with mozzarella, prawns, garlic and red onion.

4. Cook in a preheated pizza oven for 2–3 minutes, turning every 30 seconds, or until the crust is blistered and cooked through.

5. Finish with Italian chilli, fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tips for Pizza Oven Cooking

Dust your work surface generously with 00 flour before stretching the dough. Once shaped, add your toppings quickly and slide the pizza onto a floured peel. The residual flour will help prevent sticking, but it's important to work efficiently as the dough will begin to absorb the flour over time.

Cook in a preheated pizza oven, turning regularly to ensure an even, well-coloured crust.

Conventional Oven Method

If using a conventional oven, preheat it to its highest setting (around 250°C) and place a pizza stone or steel inside if you have one.

For the best results:

1. Place the stretched dough on a pizza tray and spread with a small amount of sauce.

2. Bake for 3–4 minutes to set the base.

3. Remove from the oven, add the remaining sauce and toppings, then slide the pizza directly onto the hot stone or steel.

4. Continue baking until the base is crisp and the toppings are cooked through.

This extra step helps achieve a crisp, pizzeria-style base in a home oven.