Russell writes, “In the restaurant we make pizzette, which are slightly smaller than pizza, about 20cm in diameter rather than 30cm. As well as being prettier, this size is also more convenient – you might get two or three pizzette on to your pizza stone rather than a single large one. We use fresh yeast, which you can find in health food shops, bakeries and even by asking at the bakery departments of some supermarkets. Otherwise use fast-action dried (instant) yeast.”
Recipe source: adapted from a recipe by Russell Norman in the book of his restaurant Polpo
Makes: 12 pizzette
Equipment:
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Ingredients:
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What to do:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt and dried yeast with the olive oil and the water and form the mixture into a ball.
- Now knead the dough on a floured work surface. To do this, push the dough backwards and forwards simultaneously with your two hands so that you are stretching it and then pushing it back down into a ball. Repeat this, giving the dough a good working over. You shouldn’t break into a sweat but it should feel like a little workout for your hands and forearms, and you should be feeling the dough getting more and more springy.
- After 10 minutes of kneading, push the dough back into a ball, flour the top, place in an oiled bowl and cover with clingfilm. Leave to rise in a warm place.
- After at least 30 minutes, but ideally when doubled in size, your dough is ready.
- If you want to use the dough later, place the balls of dough on a tray, cover with a damp cloth and leave in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Just remember to take them out 30 minutes before you’re ready to use them.
Notes: Why do we have to wait for the dough to rise? What is this process called? Do we have to make allowances for different sorts of weather?
The Bondi Cook 