Making pizza at home is a fun and delicious way to get creative in the kitchen, and adding fresh herbs from your Scentalis Vita takes it to the next level. Whether you prefer classic Margherita, veggie-packed toppings, or a savory meat lover’s delight, fresh basil, oregano, and other herbs will add vibrant flavor to every slice. Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade pizza that showcases your home-grown herbs.
Why fresh herbs make the best pizza
Fresh herbs bring out the best in any homemade pizza, adding a depth of flavor and aroma that dried herbs can’t match. With your Scentalis Vita, you can grow classic pizza herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme all year round, so they’re always on hand for your next pizza night.
Ingredients
For one 12-inch pizza:
For the pizza dough:
- Flour: 2 cups (all-purpose or bread flour)
- Warm water: ¾ cup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Yeast: 1 teaspoon (instant or active dry)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Sugar: ½ teaspoon (optional, for yeast activation)
For the toppings:
- Pizza sauce: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese: 1½ cups, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves: A handful, from your Scentalis Vita
- Oregano or thyme: A few sprigs, chopped
- Toppings of choice: Sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, pepperoni, or any favorites
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar (if using). Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up; otherwise, a baking sheet will work just fine.
3. Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to form a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re not using a stone.
4. Add the sauce and toppings
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your favorite toppings, like sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Finally, sprinkle fresh oregano or thyme for added aroma and flavor.
5. Bake the pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
6. Add fresh basil and serve
Once the pizza is out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves on top. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its aroma without cooking it completely. Slice and serve hot!
Tips for a perfect homemade pizza
- Harvest herbs just before using: Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme add the best flavor when picked right before adding to the pizza. Your Scentalis Vita makes this easy, giving you fresh herbs whenever you need them.
- Experiment with herb combinations: While basil and oregano are classics, try adding a touch of fresh thyme or even mint for unique flavor twists.
- Try a drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving adds richness and enhances the herb flavors.
Result
This homemade pizza recipe is simple, delicious, and a fantastic way to use the fresh herbs you’re growing in your Scentalis Vita. With a few fresh ingredients and a little creativity, you’ll enjoy pizzeria-quality flavor at home. Gather your herbs, fire up the oven, and get ready for a pizza night that’s sure to impress!
