2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading) | 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) | 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp) | 1 tea spoon sugar | 2 table spoon olive oil | 1 tea spoon salt
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce | 2 tbsp tomato paste | 2 cloves garlic, minced | 1 tbsp olive oil | 1 tsp dried oregano | 1 tsp dried basil | ½ tsp sugar | Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese | ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese | Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.) | Fresh basil leaves (optional)
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts (for two medium pizzas) or leave as one for a large pizza. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper for easier handling.
Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Add your desired toppings evenly over the cheese.
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.