Chef Todd English favors a thin, crispy crust for the pizzas served at his Figs restaurants. He keeps the dough light by rolling it out instead of tossing it; the addition of whole-wheat flour adds extra texture and heartiness.

Figs Pizza Dough

Makes 4 eight-to-ten-inch pizzas

1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional flour for rolling

2 teaspoons (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons olive oil

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment, combine the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the oil and 1 1/3 cups lukewarm water. Knead on low speed until the dough is firm and smooth, about 10 minutes.

2. Divide the dough into four balls, each about 7 1/2 ounces. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place two balls on each sheet, and cover with a damp towel. Allow the dough balls to rise in a warm spot until they have doubled in size, about 2 hours.

3. To roll out the dough, cover your fingers with flour, then place a ball on a generously floured work surface. Press down on the center of the ball with the tips of your fingers, simultaneously stretching the dough out with your hands. When the dough has doubled in width, use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough out until it is very thin. The outer border should be slightly thicker than the center. Transfer the dough on a spatula (allowing the dough to fold up almost like an umbrella) to a pizza peel or another flat, wide surface. The dough will be more oval than round. If any holes have appeared, pinch them closed. Repeat with the remaining balls.

From “The Figs Table,” by Todd English and Sally Sampson. Copyright ©1998 by Todd English and Sally Sampson. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Todd English

Executive chef and owner

Olives, Figs, Miramar, and Onda restaurants

Todd English and Sally Sampson

“The Figs Table” (Simon & Schuster, 1998; $25)

“The Olives Table” (Simon & Schuster, 1997; $32)