Every Sunday night, our family sits down together to enjoy this cheesy and comforting Italian staple. We prepare it New-York style thin crust, however by using a smaller pan, the crust can easily be the thickness of your choosing. The toppings, as well, are adjustable and ample, with our favorites being spinach and black olives.

STEP ONE – Preparations

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Lightly spray a 14-inch diameter pizza pan with canola spray.
3. Get out a large bowl, a medium saucepan, and a food processor.

STEP TWO – Make the Dough

Ingredients:

¾ cup lukewarm water
1 packet dry active yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. In the large bowl, pour the water over the yeast and whisk until fully dissolved.
2. Add the salt and sugar, then the flour, and whisk to combine.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth, adding more flour as needed.
4. Lightly spray the bowl with canola spray and return the dough to the bowl.
5. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes while you make the sauce.

STEP THREE – Make the Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ small peeled and minced onion
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 peeled and minced garlic cloves
1 15-ounce can tomatoes or 4 large seeded and diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 fresh chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. In the medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and basil.
5. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
6. Add the vinegar and honey and stir to incorporate.
7. Puree in the food processor and set aside.

STEP FOUR – Assemble and Bake

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Place a kitchen towel under the pizza pan, then place the dough in the center and use your fingers to press to the edges.
2. Spread the sauce across the entire surface of the dough.
3. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce.
4. Add your choice of toppings or keep plain.
5. Bake for 18 minutes until the crust and cheese are lightly browned.
6. Transfer the pizza to a large cutting board and cut into 8 slices with a pizza cutter.
7. Serve hot.

Recommended Serving Size: 2 slices

Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 protein, 1 veg, 1 fat