Lunch: Al Forno Inspired Pizza

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Basil

Health benefits of Al Forno Inspired Pizza

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1/2 recipe Basic Pizza Dough, recipe follows
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces shredded mozzarella
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 green onion, sliced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat a grill to medium-high. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F and, if you have one, place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of the oven.
Place the rolled out pizza dough onto the preheated grill. Brush oil on the surface of the pizza dough. Add shredded mozzarella and salt and pepper, to taste. Once the mozzarella begins to melt, add green onion, garlic and basil. When the crust begins to puff up, transfer to the pizza stone in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until pizza crust is cooked through.
Slice into 6 to 8 slices, and serve immediately.
In a large bowl combine yeast with water and sugar and stir well to combine. Set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the salt, olive oil, and half of the flour and mix well to thoroughly combine. Add all remaining flour except 1/2 cup and mix well with your hands, working to incorporate the flour little by little. The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead dough for at least 5 and up to 7 minutes, adding enough additional flour, as necessary, to form a smooth and elastic dough that is not sticky. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled 2 or 3 quart bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F and if you have one, place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of the oven.
Divide dough into 2 portions for 2 (12 to 14-inch) pizzas) and form into balls. (See note below for calzones.) Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and cover with a damp towel. Let rest for 15 minutes, then transfer to a lightly floured surface, shape as desired and roll out to a 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer dough to a pizza peel (sprinkle with cornmeal to help facilate moving dough) and top with toppings of choice. Transfer to the preheated pizza stone and bake until crispy and golden brown, usually 12 to 18 minutes (depending on the toppings and the thickness of the crust). Remove from the oven with a metal peel or spatula and serve immediately.
Yield: 2 (12 or 14-inch) pizzas or 4 calzones, serving 4 to 6
Note: For calzones, divide the dough into 4 equal portions and form into 4 balls. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and cover with a damp towel. Let rest for 15 minutes, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and roll out into 4 (8-inch) circles. Place filling of choice in the center of 1 side of each circle, then fold dough over filling to meet edges of filled side. Crimp edges with a fork or your fingers, then cut a small slit in the top of the calzone to allow steam to escape while cooking. Cook on a preheated pizza stone in a preheated 475 degree F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until well-browned. Remove from the oven with a peel or spatula and serve immediately.

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