Basic Square Pan Pizza Dough Recipe Sicilian Style Dough

Steps:

• Combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Combine the hot water and 2 tablespoons olive oil, then add to the mixer on low speed and mix until a loose ball forms. (You can also do this by hand: Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, then add the water and oil and stir with a wooden spoon.)
• Knead the dough with the mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and slightly tacky, about 7 minutes. (If using your hands, bring the dough together into a ball, then turn out onto a smooth surface and knead, dusting your hands and the surface as needed with flour, until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky, about 5 minutes.)
• Pour the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil into an 11-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet or black steel pan. Transfer the ball of dough to the pan, turning to coat with the oil. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until the dough fills about two-thirds of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Slide your hands under the dough and lift, gently stretching the dough to fit the pan. (It's OK if it doesn't stretch to the corners.) For the final rise, cover the dough with plastic wrap and set aside until slightly puffy, 30 to 45 minutes. Top and bake as directed.

Steps:

• Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl; stir until yeast is dissolved. Let stand until yeast forms a creamy foam, about 10 minutes.
• Pour yeast mixture into a large bowl; add shortening, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Stir in flour by hand until dough comes together.
• Turn dough out on a floured work surface and knead until smooth, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large greased bowl. Cover with a moist towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• Punch dough down gently. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes for air to release. Roll into a ball; spread and stretch over the bottom of a pizza pan. Let rise for 15 minutes before topping and baking.