Pizza with tomatoes, ham, and Grana Padano
Pizza with Tomatoes, Ham, and Grana Padano: An Unforgettable Recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including rising time)
Number of servings: 3 round pizzas
The History of Pizza
Pizza has deep roots in culinary history, symbolizing conviviality and simple pleasure. Over time, pizza has evolved into a beloved dish worldwide. This recipe for pizza with tomatoes, ham, and Grana Padano is a delicious combination, perfect for evenings when you want to indulge or share pleasant moments with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 40 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300 ml lukewarm water
For the topping:
- 300 g ham (preferably Prague ham or prosciutto)
- 100 g pitted olives (black or green, depending on preference)
- 1 bell pepper (any color you like)
- 3 ripe and juicy tomatoes
- 100 g Grana Padano (or Parmesan)
- Dried oregano
- Ketchup (to taste)
Preparing the Dough
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add the yeast cube along with 100 ml of lukewarm water. Let it dissolve completely, stirring gently, for about 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, place the sifted flour and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt.
3. Pour the 200 ml of lukewarm water, olive oil, and dissolved yeast over the flour in the bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, add a little olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature. The dough should double in volume.
Preparing the Topping
1. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the toppings. Cut the ham into strips or cubes, depending on preference.
2. Wash the tomatoes and cut them into slices or cubes. If desired, you can remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture.
3. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips and chop the olives.
Assembling the Pizza
1. Once the dough has risen sufficiently, divide it into three equal pieces, depending on the size of your trays.
2. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll each piece of dough into a round shape, about 5 mm thick. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 220°C. If you have a pizza stone, now is the time to put it in the oven to heat up.
4. Spread ketchup over each pizza base, then sprinkle oregano. Evenly arrange the strips of ham, tomato slices, bell pepper strips, and olives.
5. Finally, grate Grana Padano on top, giving the pizza that unmistakable flavor.
Baking the Pizza
1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy.
2. Check the pizza after 20 minutes and, if desired, you can rotate the tray for even baking.
3. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and enjoy its enticing aroma!
Practical Tips
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Feel free to experiment with various topping ingredients: mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.
- If you want an even crispier pizza, bake the pizza base for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Grana Padano can be substituted with mozzarella if you prefer a creamier texture.
Delicious Combinations
This pizza with tomatoes, ham, and Grana Padano pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a Caprese salad. Additionally, a cold blonde beer or a dry white wine will complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
Pizza is not only delicious but can also be nutritious! Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while ham provides essential proteins. Grana Padano adds calcium and vitamins, and olives are an excellent source of healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I store pizza?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.
2. Can I freeze pizza?
Yes! It is recommended to freeze the pizza before baking so that you can enjoy your treats whenever you want.
3. What type of flour should I use?
You can use 00 flour for pizza, which offers a unique texture and elasticity, but regular wheat flour is also suitable.
This recipe for pizza with tomatoes, ham, and Grana Padano is an excellent choice for a family dinner or a night with friends. Thus, not only do you develop your culinary skills, but you also create unforgettable memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough: -500 g flour - 1 cube of yeast - 40 ml olive oil - salt - 300 ml warm water - 300 g ham - 100 g pitted olives - 1 bell pepper - 3 tomatoes - Grana Padano - oregano - ketchup
