Mike's Homemade Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 envelope active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 0.25 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water in a small bowl. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Combine flour, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; add yeast mixture and stir until dough comes together. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

4. 4

   Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough into the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in tomato paste, water, salt, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, basil, marjoram, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

8. 8

   Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch circle. Place dough onto two 12-inch pizza pans; cover with sauce and mozzarella cheese.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven until crusts are golden brown, about 20 minutes.