Homemade pizza

Homemade Pizza Recipe with Perfect Dough and Delicious Toppings

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Homemade pizza is more than just a dish; it’s a joyful activity, perfect for gathering family around the table. This recipe for fresh dough and rich toppings is ideal for a weekend evening or a party with friends. You will discover how to prepare a light and flavorful dough, as well as a savory sauce that perfectly complements your chosen toppings.

Ingredients needed for the pizza dough:

- 7 cups of flour
- 50 grams of fresh yeast
- 1 cup (large) and ½ cup of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil

Ingredients for the toppings:

- 3 sausages (cabanos)
- 1 raw sausage (oltenesc or any preferred type)
- 150-200 grams of salami
- 3 pickles
- 200 grams of canned corn
- 150 grams of sheep cheese
- 150 grams of cheese

Ingredients for the sauce:

- 250 ml of tomato juice (homemade or store-bought)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar
- Fresh dill
- Thyme, basil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step for the pizza dough:

1. Activating the yeast: In a bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add the sugar. Pour in ½ cup of warm water and mix gently. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial for activating the yeast and achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. It's important not to add the salt directly over the yeast, as it can inhibit the fermentation process.

3. Forming the dough: Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl with flour and salt. Start mixing, gradually adding warm water until the dough begins to form. Finally, add dried thyme and basil to give the dough a delicious flavor.

4. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is the moment when you can put all your energy and love into transforming the ingredients into a perfect mass.

5. Letting the dough rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40-50 minutes or until it doubles in size.

6. Second rise: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Let it rise for another 15 minutes.

Step by step for making the pizza:

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C. This will ensure even baking and a crispy crust.

2. Dividing the dough: The risen dough can be divided into two, each portion being enough for one pizza the size of the baking tray. You can save one portion for later use or for a thinner pizza.

3. Forming the crust: On a greased baking tray, place a sheet of dough and stretch it with your hands or a rolling pin, ensuring an even layer.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, mix the tomato juice, crushed garlic, mustard, balsamic vinegar, fresh dill, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. This sauce can be customized to taste by adding preferred spices or even a little sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

5. Assembling the pizza: Spread the sauce evenly over the prepared dough. Then, add slices of sausage, cabanos, salami, pickles, and corn. Each ingredient adds a distinct texture and flavor, turning the pizza into a true feast.

6. Baking the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. About 5 minutes before the pizza is done, add the sheep cheese and grated cheese on top. These cheeses will melt perfectly, creating a golden and appetizing crust.

Serving and variations:

Pizza is served hot, cut into generous slices. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with various toppings, such as fresh vegetables, olives, or anchovies, according to your preferences.

For a complete meal, pair the pizza with a light green salad and freshly squeezed lemonade or a dry white wine. These combinations not only enhance the culinary experience but also bring a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

This homemade pizza is not only delicious but also a healthier option than most store-bought varieties. By using fresh and minimally processed ingredients, you can control the quality and quantity of salt and sugar, making this recipe a better choice for dinner. Additionally, the added vegetables and cheeses provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Check the instructions on the package to get the correct equivalent.

2. How long can I keep the pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

3. What other toppings can I add?
You can add any ingredient you prefer – mushrooms, peppers, onions, or even seafood. Be creative!

4. How can I make the dough healthier?
For a healthier dough, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or add seeds (flax, sesame) for an extra nutrient boost.

With these tips and instructions, you are ready to get to work and impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade pizza. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and experiment with your favorite ingredients! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients - pizza dough: 7 cups of flour, 50 g of fresh yeast, 1 and a half large cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar. Herbs: Dried thyme, dried basil. Pizza ingredients: 3 sausages, 1 raw Oltenian sausage (or any raw sausage you have), 150-200g of salami, 3 pickled cucumbers, 200g of canned corn, 150g of sheep cheese + cheese. Sauce ingredients: 250ml of tomato juice (homemade or store-bought), 2-3 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of mustard, 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, fresh dill, thyme, basil, salt, pepper.

 Tags:  homemade pizza pizza pizza dough