Sicilian-Style Square Pizza with Homemade Sauce

1. Boil and Rice Potato

Begin by boiling a medium russet potato in a medium saucepan for about 15 minutes, or until it meets no resistance when tested with a cake tester. Once boiled, allow the potato to cool for about 10 minutes, then pass it through a potato ricer into a small bowl.

2. Prepare Dough

In a stand mixer, combine the flour, kosher salt, rapid-rise yeast, sugar, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, water, and the riced potato. Mix on medium speed for about 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy. You'll know it's ready when it adheres to the bottom of the bowl but pulls cleanly from the sides.

3. Let Dough Rise

Take a rimmed baking sheet and coat it generously with the remaining olive oil. Transfer the dough onto the oiled baking sheet, turn it to coat it with oil, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rise for about 2 hours until the dough spreads and touches nearly each rim of the baking sheet.

4. Prepare Sauce

While the dough is rising, heat 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook until they are golden brown and fragrant, which should take about 10 minutes.

5. Blend Sauce

Transfer the garlic and oil into a food processor or blender along with the drained whole peeled tomatoes. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture back into a large saucepan, adding dried oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, basil stems, and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is slightly reduced and flavors have melded.

6. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 550°F for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, with oiled hands, gently press and stretch the risen dough to ensure it fills the baking sheet, maintaining the air bubbles for a light crust.

7. Assemble Pizza

Spread about 2/3 cup of the prepared sauce evenly over the dough with a spoon. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, dot with the remaining sauce, and add fresh basil leaves. Finally, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake Pizza

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is well browned and the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.

9. Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the pizza to cool on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm.