Braided pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 can (220 g) of tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 450 g pizza dough
• Flour for dusting
• 1 cup grated whole milk mozzarella
• 60 g pepperoni slices (about 32 pieces), cut into quarters
• 1 large egg, beaten with a little water

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the sauce, stirring occasionally, until hot, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a 25x35cm rectangle. Spread 3 tablespoons of the sauce evenly over the dough and sprinkle with mozzarella and pepperoni pieces.
4. Roll the rectangle along the long side and place it seam-side down on a cutting board. Trim any uneven ends, then cut it in half lengthwise. Place the two halves, cut-side up, next to each other and twist them together into a tight braid approximately 12 inches long.
5. Transfer the twisted dough to the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush with beaten egg. Bake until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted in the center, 30–32 minutes. Transfer the braid to a cutting board, slice, and serve with the remaining pizza sauce.