Dough:

• 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• ¾ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese:

• 1 (12 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or to taste

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water in a small bowl. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
3. Combine flour, shortening, and salt in a large bowl; add yeast mixture and stir until dough comes together. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
4. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough into the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato paste, water, salt, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, basil, marjoram, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
8. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch circle. Place dough onto two 12-inch pizza pans; cover with sauce and mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven until crusts are golden brown, about 20 minutes.