• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, cooked sausage, sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pizza dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes or until the mixture becomes frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.
   • Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more warm water.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the pizza sauce:

1. • In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

1. • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest temperature your oven can reach.
   • Assemble the pizza:
     • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions if you want to make two medium-sized pizzas or keep it as one if you prefer a larger pizza.
     • On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough.
     • Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet.

1. 1. Add the toppings:
      • Spread a generous amount of the prepared pizza sauce onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
      • Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
      • Add your favorite pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
   2. Bake the pizza:
      • Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   3. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

   Enjoy your homemade pizza hot and fresh! It’s a versatile dish, and you can get creative with different toppings to suit your taste preferences.