Sicilian Pizza

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (100° to 110°)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Toppings: chopped onion, green or red bell pepper rings, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded fresh basil
• Garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparation

1. Combine 2 cups flour, yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large mixing bowl; stir in 1 1/2 cups warm water and vegetable oil.
2. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer for 1 to 2 minutes; beat at high speed 3 minutes. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make dough stiff.
3. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
5. Punch dough down, and press onto a lightly greased 12-inch round pizza pan or into a 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan.
6. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
7. Sauté onion and garlic in hot olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender. Add remaining 1 teaspoon salt, tomatoes, and next 6 ingredients.
8. Bring to a boil; cook, covered, over medium heat 10 minutes. Spoon sauce over dough.
9. Bake at 475° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with desired toppings; bake 10 to 15 more minutes. Garnish, if desired.
10. Prep: 30 min.; Rise: 1 hr., 45 min.; Bake: 35 min
11. Note: For thinner crust, divide dough in half; press onto 2 (12-inch) round pizza pans. Proceed with recipe as directed. Traditionally, Joyce makes this recipe in a rectangular shape.