ITALIAN STYLE PIZZA PIE

FOR THE PIZZA DOUGH:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package dry yeast
FOR THE PIZZA SAUCE:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion
1 small green pepper
1 cup whole tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
15 dashes of hot sauce
FOR THE PIZZA:
1 dash oregano
desired toppings (such as pepperoni, anchovies, shrimp, etc. - optional)
grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese

TO MAKE THE PIZZA DOUGH:
Sift flour; add salt and olive oil. Dissolve yeast in a cup of lukewarm water and add to flour mixture. Work dough until it is well-mixed; let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes.

TO MAKE THE PIZZA SAUCE:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil, chopped garlic, onion and green pepper.

When onion is half-done, add whole tomatoes and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

Add tomato paste, salt, sugar and hot sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

TO MAKE THE PIZZA:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch layer cake pan.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead lightly. Mold into flat loaf. Place loaf in prepared pan and work just as a pie.

Cover pizza dough with sauce mixture and sprinkle oregano on top. Add desired toppings.

Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

When pizza is cooked, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese; cut into wedges.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Tampa Tribune