Tony Gemignani Pizza Dough Recipes

TONY'S PIZZA DOUGH

Steps:

• In a small bowl, using a fork, stir the yeast into the lukewarm water; set aside until the yeast dissolves; about 5 minutes.
• In another small bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, salt, and olive oil; stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
• To make the dough using a stand mixer: fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.
• Place 5 ¼ cups flour in the mixer bowl.
• Add the yeast mixture along with the cold water mixture and mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated and the dough gathers together to form a coarse ball, about 4 minutes.
• Let rest 2 minutes, then mix on low speed until the dough is smooth and not sticky, about 6 minutes longer (if the dough begins to climb up the dough hook toward the motor drive, stop the mixer and push it down; if machine labors and the motor feels hot, stop and wait a few minutes for the motor to cool down).
• Turn the dough out on a well-floured work surface and knead for a minute or two until it forms a smooth ball, adding up to ¼ cup flour of additional flour, if necessary.
• Cut the dough in half to form even portions, each weighing 22 ounces.
• With floured hands, pick up one portion of dough and pull the opposite edges together, wrapping them underneath toward the center to form a tight smooth ball; pinch to seal.
• Repeat with the second portion; place each portion in a 1-gallon zip-lock plastic bag; squeeze out all the air and seal the bags, allowing enough room for the dough to double in size.
• Refrigerate for at least 10 hours or up to 2 days.
• Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before using to allow dough to come to room temperature; proceed with any California-style pizza.

MASTER DOUGH WITH STARTER

Steps:

• Put the yeast in a small bowl, add the warm water, and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. The yeast should dissolve in the water and the mixture should foam. If it doesn't and the yeast granules float, the yeast is "dead" and should be discarded. Begin again with a fresh amount of yeast and water.
• Combine the flour and malt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
• With the mixer running on the lowest speed, pour in most of the icewater, reserving about 2 tablespoons, followed by the yeast-water mixture. Pour the reserved water into the yeast bowl, swirl it around to dislodge any bits of yeast stuck to the bowl, and add to the mixer. Mix for about 15 seconds, stop the mixer, and add the poolish or tiga.
• Continue to mix the dough at the lowest speed for about 1 minute, until most of the dough comes together around the hook. Stop the mixer. Use your fingers to pull away any dough clinging to the hook, and scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a bowl scraper or rubber spatula. Check the bottom of the bowl for any unincorporated flour. Turn the dough over and press it into the bottom of the bowl to pick up any stray pieces. If the dough isn't holding together, add small amounts of water (about 1/2 teaspoon to start) and mix until the dough is no longer dry and holds together.
• Add the salt and mix on the lowest speed for 1 minute to combine.
• Stop the mixer, pull the dough off the hook, and add the oil. Mix the dough for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping the mixer from time to time to pull the dough off the hook and scrape down the sides of the bowl, until all of the oil is absorbed. The dough won't look completely smooth.
• Use a bowl scraper to transfer the dough to an unfloured work surface, then knead it for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp dish towel and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Use the dough cutter to loosen the dough and to cut it in half. Weigh the dough, adjusting the quantity as necessary to give you two 13-ounce pieces. Form each piece into a ball. Any remaining dough can be discarded.
• Form the dough into balls. Set the balls on a half sheet pan, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Or, if you will be baking the balls on different days, place each ball on a quarter sheet pan. Wrap the pan(s) airtight with a double layer of plastic wrap, sealing the wrap well under the pan(s). Put the pan(s) in a level spot in the refrigerator and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours.

TIGA

Steps:

• Put the yeast in a small bowl, add the water, and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. The mixture should bubble on top. If it doesn't and the yeast granules float, the yeast is "dead" and should be discarded. Begin again with a fresh amount of yeast and water.
• Add the flour and stir well with a rubber spatula to combine. The consistency will be quite thick.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let sit at room temperature for 18 hours. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool slightly before using.
• If you are not using the starter right away, you can store it in the refrigerator, though I suggest keeping it for no more than 8 hours. Bring it to cool room temperature before using.