The Crispy Crust™ Pizza Maker takes care of that perfect crust, while eggplant, spiced sausage and fresh basil bring the flavor fireworks. Savory, fresh and hot in more ways than one!
1To make the dough, place the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix to combine. Add the oil and water and mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the oil and water and mix until the dough comes together, add an extra tablespoon of water if necessary. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.)
2Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
3Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch down to remove the excess air. Knead the dough into a smooth ball. Divide into three, 8¾ oz pieces.
4To make the pizza sauce, place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until well combined. Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
5To make the topping, remove the casings from the sausages. Tear the sausage meat into small pieces, then flatten.
6To make the pizza, turn the ON/OFF switch to the ON position and PREHEAT the pizza oven for 15 minutes.
7Roll out each piece of pizza dough to form a 9-inch round and place each on a 11-inch square piece of parchment paper.
8Prick the crusts with a fork or pizza docker.
9Spread 1 teaspoon of oil over each pizza crust. Spread 3 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each crust, then sprinkle each with ½ teaspoon pepper flakes.
10Divide the remaining toppings evenly among the crusts.
11Select the CLASSIC crust setting.
12Transfer one of the pizzas (still on the parchment paper) to the hot pizza stone and close the lid. Cook for 2 minutes.
13Open the lid and quickly slide the parchment paper out carefully. Close the lid and cook for a further 6-7 minutes, or until browned. Monitor the cooking progress through the viewing window. Topping should be cooked and golden and crust crisp and brown.
14Open the lid carefully with oven mitt and transfer the pizza to a cutting board.
15Repeat with the remaining pizzas.
16Drizzle with extra olive oil, season with salt and pepper and garnish with basil leaves. Slice and serve.