Fermented Pizza Dough (Poolish)

Preparation

• Poolish

  • In a large bowl with a wooden spoon, or in a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine all of the ingredients until smooth. Cover with a damp dishcloth and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours or until doubled in volume.

• Dough

  • Add the water to the bowl of poolish. Whisk vigorously to dissolve the mixture in the water. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. On a lightly floured work surface with your hands, or in the stand mixer, knead the dough for 5 minutes or until smooth.
  • On a work surface and with floured hands, fold the dough over itself and form into a ball. Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover tightly and let rest at room temperature for 2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
  • Keeping the dough in the bowl, sprinkle the surface with flour. Turn the bowl over, letting the dough fall onto a work surface. Cut the dough into two equal pieces. With floured hands, fold each piece of dough over itself and form into a ball. Freeze at this step, if desired (see note). Let sit for 30 minutes on the work surface before rolling out and adding toppings.