Rustic Potato-Infused Thick Crust Pizza

1. Boil Potatoes

Start by boiling the peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a medium saucepan filled with water. Let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes until they are fork-tender. Once tender, drain the potatoes and process them through a ricer or food mill until they resemble fine granules. Measure out one cup of the riced potatoes and set it aside; you can discard any excess.

2. Preheat Oven

As the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Once it reaches the temperature, turn it off but keep the door closed. This warm environment will be perfect for allowing the dough to rise later.

3. Prepare Yeast Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine ½ cup of the flour, ½ cup of the warm water, and the yeast. Mix these ingredients together and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit for about 20 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy.

4. Combine Dough Ingredients

Next, add the remaining 3 cups of flour, the remaining ½ cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the salt, and the reserved cup of riced potatoes to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed to start combining the ingredients, then increase to medium speed and continue mixing for about 5 minutes. You want the dough to be slightly tacky to the touch.

5. Let Dough Rise

Once your dough is ready, place it in the warm oven you preheated earlier, leaving the door slightly ajar. Let it rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about an hour.

6. Prepare Toppings

While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza toppings. Combine the cored, seeded, and cut tomatoes with the minced garlic in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Shred the mozzarella and grate the Parmesan cheese if you haven't done so already.

7. Preheat Oven

After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475 degrees. Lightly oil a 14-inch pizza pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then stretch and press the dough into the pan, making sure it reaches the edges.

8. Assemble Pizza

Spread the tomato and garlic mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese.

9. Bake Pizza

Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the shredded fresh basil over the top before slicing and serving.