Surprise Pizza

Surprise Pizza: A Delight Full of Flavor and History

Who doesn't love pizza? This delicious recipe, also known as "scacchi," is an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for a family dinner or a picnic with friends. With a soft crust and rich filling, the surprise pizza will win you over from the very first bite. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to everyone's preferences and is easy to make even for beginners.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 400 g flour
- 200 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 20 g fresh yeast

*For the filling:*
- 200 g lean country ham
- 150 g smoked cheese
- 500-600 g fresh spinach
- 1 leek stalk (about 40 cm)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water. This step is essential for activating the yeast and achieving a fluffy dough.
- If you have a bread machine, add the dissolved yeast, oil, flour, and salt. Set the kneading program (about 15 minutes).
- If you don't have a bread machine, place the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, pour in the water and yeast mixture, then knead by hand until you get a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add the oil until fully incorporated.

2. Rising the dough:
- Once the dough is well kneaded, let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place, covered with a clean towel. This step will ensure a fluffy and airy dough.

3. Preparing the filling:
- In a large pot, add water and salt. Wait for it to boil, then add the cleaned and well-washed spinach. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Squeeze out excess water and chop finely.
- Slice the leek into thin rounds and the ham into finger-length strips. In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the leek and ham for 5-7 minutes until the ham is slightly golden. Add pepper to taste and let the mixture cool.

4. Assembling the pizza:
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a round sheet with a diameter of 30 cm.
- Place the sheet in a greased or oiled baking tray. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on the bottom of the tray, leaving a 2 cm border. Add the chopped spinach, followed by the leek and ham mixture, and cover with the remaining cheese.
- Moisten the edges of the sheet with water, then roll out the second sheet with a diameter of 32 cm and place it on top of the filling. Press the edges well to seal and twist them to form a nice border.

5. Baking the pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

6. Serving:
- The pizza can be served warm or cold. We recommend it with a fresh tomato salad for a contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, the pizza crust can be enjoyed with freshly made tomato sauce.

Useful tips:

- Ingredients: Use fresh spinach for a vibrant taste, but you can substitute with frozen spinach in an emergency. Make sure to drain it very well.
- Ham: Choose a high-quality, lean ham to keep the dish healthier.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini, for an even more colorful pizza.
- Storage: The pizza keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This pizza provides considerable nutritional value due to the spinach, which is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron. The whole wheat flour in the pizza crust adds fiber, while the ham and cheese provide essential proteins for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor.

2. What can I use instead of fresh yeast?
You can use 7 g of dry yeast, making sure to dissolve it in warm water just like fresh yeast.

3. How can I make individual portions?
By dividing the dough into four parts and rolling each part into a small sheet, you can create mini pizzas ideal for picnics.

This surprise pizza is not just a delicious dish but also an excellent way to bring family or friends together around the table. Try this recipe and enjoy a tasty moment full of flavors and good cheer!

 Ingredients: Pizza dough: 400 g flour 200 ml water 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons oil 20 g fresh yeast Filling: 200 g lean country ham 150 g smoked cheese 500-600 g fresh spinach 1 leek stalk about 40 cm 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

 Tags:  pizza