Pizza, Focaccia,and Calzone Trio

Sauce

1. 1

   Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan, add 0.5 tsp each dried thyme, basil, and oregano, and sauté briefly.

2. 2

   Add the canned diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and the quartered onion; simmer for 5–7 minutes.

3. 3

   Season with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp sugar; let the sauce simmer for about 40–45 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Dough

4. 4

   In a bowl, combine warm water, 2.25 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar; let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

5. 5

   Add 3–3.75 cups flour, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

6. 6

   Knead by hand for 7–10 minutes until smooth, then let the dough rest in a warm place until doubled in size.

7. 7

   Focaccia (Faka Bread): Preheat oven to 400°F. Oil a 9‑inch round cake pan with about 3 tbsp olive oil.

Focaccia

8. 8

   Divide the dough in half, roll one half to about ½‑inch thickness, place in the pan, and dimple the surface with fingertips.

9. 9

   Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle dry basil, dry thyme, and sea salt; bake 20–25 minutes until golden.

Calzone

10. 10

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Divide the remaining dough into four balls, oil the tops, and let rise.

11. 11

    Flatten each ball, spread cooled pizza sauce, add mozzarella, sliced onion, roasted peppers, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt.

12. 12

    Fold over to seal, brush with olive oil, sprinkle parmesan, and bake 10–15 minutes until golden.

Pizza

13. 13

    Preheat oven to 450°F with a pizza stone if available.

14. 14

    Stretch a dough ball into a round, place on a pan or stone, spread sauce, add mozzarella and desired toppings.

15. 15

    Bake 10–15 minutes until crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly.