Morphed Pizza Dough with Mushrooms, Blueberries and Spinach

Lately I have been thinking about morphing a sourdough crust dough with a commercially yeasted crust dough and combining the best qualities of both. Using a sourdough levain or starter in your pizza dough can make a significant flavor and texture difference. The sourdough starter adds acidity to the dough which affects strength and flavor. The commercial yeast helps the crust ferment more quickly so it is a lighter, less tough dough. Add the two together and you get a quick, airy, chewy crust with good flavor. Here is the recipe for the dough, it makes two large 15” pizzas:

Proof two teaspoons of commercial yeast in 2 oz of water for 15 minutes.
Add together in a large mixing bowl or dough mixing trough:
•    10 oz/283g sourdough starter @ 100% hydration
•    2 oz/56g evaporated milk
•    10 oz/283g warm water
•    The commercial yeast/water mixture
•    16 oz/453g bread flour

Mix these ingredients together and allow them to rest for 30 minutes. After resting add:
•    .6 oz/17g sea salt
•    1 oz/28g oil

Stir the salt/oil in well and then add an additional:
•    8 oz/226g bread flour

For the last 8 oz of flour, add most of it (6-7 oz) to the dough and then knead the dough for 10 – 15 minutes using the flour left over for kneading. After the dough feels smooth and soft and you can stretch a windowpane, pat or spray oil on the outside of your dough and then let the dough bulk ferment for two hours in a covered container. Divide the dough into two pieces once the bulk ferment is done. Then proceed as usual. I divided the dough and let the pieces set for 15 minutes and then stretched/rolled them out. I placed them on parchment paper and allowed them to proof for 45 minutes. Then spread your choice of sauce and toppings. I used white cheese, spinach, mushrooms and blueberries. Bake at 500F on a very hot baking stone for 7 – 12 minutes. Makes about 3 lbs of dough @ 65% hydration.

Teresa Greenway
http://www.northwestsourdough.com

*Note from Brad:  Thanks again Teresa for another great recipe!  I hope this inspires others to jump in and try these and even share more of their own with us all here!