Fluffy crust pizza with garlic

Fluffy Garlic Pizza

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-45 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

In our family, pizza is more than just a meal; it is a tradition that brings smiles and joy. Twice a week, we gather around the table to enjoy this delicacy, and the aroma of garlic and freshly melted cheese invites us with every minute spent in the kitchen. Today, I will share our recipe for fluffy garlic pizza, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will delight the whole family.

The History of Pizza

Pizza has a fascinating history, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. From flatbreads with various toppings to modern pizza, this dish has evolved over time to become a symbol of conviviality. Whether it's a family evening or a gathering with friends, pizza is the perfect choice to bring people together.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g of flour
- 125 ml of warm milk
- 20 g of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cloves of garlic (finely crushed)

For the filling:
- 4-6 tablespoons of homemade ketchup (or tomato sauce)
- 4-6 tablespoons of grated cheese
- 50 g of pitted green/black olives
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/2 can of sliced mushrooms
- 100 g of bacon cut into small pieces
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing the Dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the dough. It is important that the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the warm milk, fresh yeast, and sugar. Stir gently until the yeast is completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Forming the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into this well. Add the crushed garlic and olive oil. Knead the mixture with your hands until it starts to pull away from the sides.

4. Kneading the dough: Continue kneading the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add salt and knead again to incorporate it.

5. Rising the dough: Grease a clean bowl with a little oil and place the dough in it, covering it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Filling

1. Grating: Use a grater with large holes to grate the cheese. You can use any type of cheese you prefer, but I recommend a cheese blend for a richer flavor.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Cut the bell pepper into thin strips and slice the olives. Drain the mushrooms and chop the bacon into small cubes.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preparing the pan: Take a round pan with a diameter of 28 cm and grease it with a little olive oil. This will help the pizza not to stick.

2. Forming the pizza: Once the dough has risen, take it and place it in the center of the pan. With oiled hands, spread the dough over the entire surface of the pan, ensuring it is even.

3. Second rise: Cover the pan with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for another 15-20 minutes. This step will make the crust even fluffier.

4. Adding the sauce: After the dough has risen again, spread the homemade ketchup or tomato sauce over the entire surface of the pizza. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

5. Adding the ingredients: Sprinkle the grated cheese, then add the olives, bacon, mushrooms, and strips of bell pepper. Be generous with the ingredients to achieve a delicious pizza!

Baking the Pizza

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. It is essential that the temperature is high to achieve a crispy and fluffy crust.

2. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Serving the Pizza

Your pizza is now ready! You can serve it hot, with a garlic sauce on top or with ketchup. A personal recommendation is to pair it with a cold beer for a perfect culinary experience. This is a perfect pizza for a family evening or a gathering with friends.

Variations and Practical Tips

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different toppings, such as pepperoni, pineapple, or various vegetables, depending on your or your family's preferences.
- Thinner crust: If you prefer a thinner crust, you can stretch the dough more and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- Storing the pizza: If you have leftover pizza, you can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why should I use fresh yeast?: Fresh yeast helps achieve a fluffier and more flavorful dough. If using dry yeast, use about 7 g.
- What can I use instead of ketchup?: You can use tomato sauce or pesto to give the pizza a different flavor.
- How do I know when the pizza is ready?: Check if the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

This fluffy garlic pizza recipe is not just a delicious meal but also a way to bring the family together around a table full of smiles and good cheer. I encourage you to put your personal touch on the recipe by experimenting with ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: What we need for a 28 cm diameter pizza: 250 g flour; 125 ml warm milk; 20 g fresh yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cloves of garlic (crushed very well); What we need for the filling: 4-6 tablespoons homemade ketchup (or tomato sauce); 4-6 tablespoons grated cheese; 50 g green/black olives without pits; 1 bell pepper; 1/2 can of sliced mushrooms; 100 g bacon chopped into small pieces; pepper; salt;

 Tags:  pizza fluffy dough garlic