Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza - A Culinary Journey at Home

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1-2 hours and 50 minutes (depending on rising time)
Number of servings: 4

A remarkable story lies behind each slice of pizza, especially Neapolitan pizza, a true symbol of passion and culinary tradition. This recipe, with deep roots in gastronomic history, is a tribute to simple yet quality ingredients. Let's discover together how we can recreate this delight at home.

Ingredients

For the pizza dough:
- 250 g of wheat flour (ideally type 00)
- 150 ml lukewarm water (approximately 37°C)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

For the tomato sauce:
- 50 g tomato juice (fresh or canned)
- 50 g tomato pulp in tomato juice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Oregano, sage, basil (fresh or dried, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to reduce acidity of tomatoes)

For the toppings:
- 200 g ham, diced
- 150 g lean ham, sliced
- 150 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 100 g colored bell pepper, sliced
- 100 g mozzarella, sliced
- 2 eggs (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil for an intense taste

Step by Step: Preparing Neapolitan Pizza

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon of flour, 3-4 tablespoons of lukewarm water, and the sugar. Mix until you get a smooth paste. Cover with a towel and let it ferment for 10-15 minutes, until foam forms on the surface. This is a crucial step to activate the yeast, and the flavors will intensify in the process.

2. Forming the dough:
- In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining water, olive oil, and salt. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. This is the time to put your energy to work! Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If you feel the dough is too dry, add a little water, and if it's too sticky, sprinkle a little flour.

3. Rising the dough:
- Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with olive oil. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it doubles in volume. This step is essential to achieve a fluffy and airy pizza.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
- While the dough is rising, you can prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Add the tomato juice and pulp, oregano, sage, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened. If it’s too thick, you can add a little warm water. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

5. Assembling the pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 250°C (or the maximum your oven allows). Place a pizza stone or tray inside, if you have one, to achieve a crispy crust.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin or your hands, according to the desired shape. It’s important not to roll it too thin to prevent tearing.
- Transfer the dough onto a baking paper or pizza tray. Brush it with olive oil, then spread an even layer of tomato sauce over it.

6. Toppings:
- Start by adding the ham and lean ham, followed by mushrooms, mozzarella, bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Arrange the ingredients as you like; creativity is key!

7. Baking the pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. If you choose to add eggs, carefully crack them on top of the pizza in the last 5 minutes of baking for perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs.

8. Serving:
- Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve it with the remaining tomato sauce. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a warm appearance and fresh taste.

Practical Tips and Variations

- If you want to improvise, you can replace the topping ingredients with what you have on hand. Olives, pineapple, or feta cheese are excellent options to customize your pizza.
- For a more intense flavor, you can try a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar or brie, along with mozzarella.
- A stuffed crust pizza is a delicious option. You can add cheese around the edges of the dough before folding it.
- Don’t forget a good wine or craft beer to accompany the meal. Homemade lemonade can also be a refreshing choice.

Nutritional Benefits

Neapolitan pizza is a versatile and nutrient-rich choice. The whole wheat flour used in the dough provides essential fiber, while the vegetable-rich toppings bring important vitamins and minerals. Mozzarella is an excellent source of calcium, and the ham and lean ham provide protein, contributing to a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.

2. How can I make the dough crispier?
- Preheating the oven to very high temperatures and using a pizza stone are the keys to achieving a crispy crust.

3. What should I do if I don’t have dry yeast?
- You can use fresh yeast, being careful to adjust the amount (approximately 3 times more fresh yeast than dry).

4. Can I freeze the pizza?
- Yes, the pizza can be frozen before baking. This way, you have a delicious meal on hand whenever you crave it.

Making Neapolitan pizza at home is not only a pleasant activity but also an opportunity to connect with culinary tradition. So gather your friends or family, grab your favorite ingredients, and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the pizza dough: 150 ml warm water, 250 g wheat flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons olive oil. For the tomato sauce: 50 g tomato juice, 50 g tomato pulp in tomato juice, 1 small onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, oregano, sage, basil, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar. For the pizza: 200 g ham, 150 g lean ham, 150 g fresh mushrooms, 100 g colored bell pepper, 100 g mozzarella, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 eggs.