Thermomix® and Ovana are the perfect pair for creating authentic, homemade pizzas. One of the most common questions we’re asked when people first start making pizzas is how to get the dough off the peel and into their Ovana Pizza Oven. This is called ‘launching your pizza dough’ and although it can be a little tricky at first, with a bit of practice and our tops tips, you’ll be cooking perfect pizzas in no time. Be sure to check out our range of Ovana outdoor pizza oven accessories so you can put these tips into practice.
1. Use the right dough
There are so many great pizza dough recipes around but some can be too wet which makes them extra sticky. For an easy pizza dough recipe, our classic Pizza dough works a treat. We’ve also provided some of the best pizza base recipes including a gluten free pizza dough in our recipe booklet that comes with your Ovana pizza oven.
2. Keep it room temp
You also want to make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature. If you’ve slow proved your dough in the fridge make sure you bring it to room temperature before stretching out your pizza dough so it doesn’t spring back into place. If it’s a hot day and your dough is too warm it can become sticky and difficult to work with so do your best to keep it at room temperature.
Hot tip: If you’re making multiple pizzas allow your peeler to cool down between pizzas too.
3. Use flour, plenty of it!
Make sure you have plenty of flour on your work surface as you’re rolling out and shaping your pizza dough. We like to use semolina but any flour will work just as well.
4. Not too thick, not too thin
Believe it or not, rolling your dough too thin will make it harder to launch as you need a strong base to help it slip-slide off the peeler. It’s also more likely to stick if it’s too thin, or if there are any holes in your pizza dough.
5. Make sure the dough is loose and moving
Before adding your pizza toppings, make sure your dough is loose and moving on the board. If it sticks to your board it will stick to your peeler so when in doubt add a little bit more flour. Repeat this process again after you’ve added your toppings.
6. Pizza toppings - less is more
Keep toppings light. While it’s tempting to go nuts with your pizza toppings, simple toppings make it easier to get your pizza off the peel. We also recommend assembling the toppings on a board, not on the peeler.
7. Assemble just before cooking
We all love being organised but it’s important not to let your uncooked pizza sit around for too long as the moisture from the toppings will start to leach through to the base, making them stick.
8. Move quickly & confidently
Move quickly and confidently when using your peel to pick up your pizza and launch it into the oven. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Even a pizza that looks a little wonky will be just as delicious!
9. Practice, practice, practice
Just like anything, creating the perfect pizza takes some time and practice to get right. And the best part is you get to eat all your delicious test runs! From authentic Margherita pizza to pizza Bianca, discover our range or deliciously easy pizza recipes and you'll be the master of homemade pizza in no time. Happy cooking!
Learn more about getting started with Ovana, or explore more tips and tricks for cooking with your Ovana pizza oven online!
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us online, visit our FAQs, or explore TheMix Shop to learn more about our amazing products!
Tag us in a pic on social media and let us know how you do pizza at home! Find us at @thermomixnz and #ovana #thermomixnz.