Basic Pizza Dough
1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine the water, yeast, and 1 1/2 cups of the flour in a large bowl. Mix well.
Add the oil, salt, and remaining flour. With large wooden spoon or your hands
mix the ingredients together until the dough holds its shape. You may need a bit
less flour, so add the last half gradually. Place the dough on a lightly floured
surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. If the dough
becomes sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour over it. Transfer the dough to a
lightly oiled 2-quart bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel,
and let the dough rest until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour. When the
dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface, divide it into two or
more parts and roll them into balls. Cover them with a towel and let rest for 15
minutes. The dough is ready to be shaped, topped and cooked.