Authentic Italian Pizza Neapolitan Recipe at Home

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
2. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
3. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
6. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 24-72 hours.
7. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
9. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
10. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
11. Place pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
12. Preheat oven to the highest possible temperature (ideally 500-550°F / 260-290°C) for at least 1 hour.
13. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
14. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out each dough portion into a 12-inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
15. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour or semolina.
16. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
17. Top with mozzarella slices.
18. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking steel.
19. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and slightly charred, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
20. Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer to a cutting board.
21. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
22. Slice and serve immediately.