Brick-Oven Pizza (Brooklyn Style)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or other toppings of choice)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Preheat the Oven:

1. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C). If not using a stone, just preheat the oven to the same temperature.

4. Shape the Dough:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 equal portions (for two pizzas). Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch thick for Brooklyn-style pizza.

5. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.
2. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then add the grated Parmesan and your choice of toppings.

6. Bake the Pizza:

1. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
2. If you have a pizza stone, you can use a pizza peel to slide the pizza onto it. If not, just place the pizza directly on a baking sheet.

7. Serve:

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
2. Slice and enjoy!

Brooklyn-style pizza is known for its thin, foldable crust and generous toppings, so feel free to get creative with what you add!