Delicious Pizza

Delicious Pizza – A story recipe for delightful moments

Pizza is more than just a simple dish; it is a symbol of conviviality, a joy of sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. This Delicious Pizza recipe has been perfected over time and has won the hearts of not only my Italian friends but also many others who have had the chance to taste it. Let's get to work and turn simple ingredients into something truly special!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 200 ml warm water (about 35-40°C)
- 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 heaping teaspoon salt
- 400 g flour (ideally type 00 flour for pizza)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

*For the sauce:*
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili or pepper for a spicy sauce, if preferred
- 100 ml water (if needed for sauce consistency)

*For the topping:*
- 150 g ham, bacon, or chicken (to preference)
- 1 onion, sliced thinly
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 150 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 100 g pitted olives, halved
- 200 g mozzarella, cubed or sliced

Preparation:

Step 1: Making the dough

1. Start by adding the dough ingredients into the bread machine in the following order: warm water, olive oil, salt, flour, and yeast. Select the kneading and rising program. This step will help you achieve a fluffy and elastic dough.

2. If you don’t have a bread machine, don’t worry! You can knead the dough by hand. Place the flour on a clean surface, make a well in the middle, and add the other ingredients. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. Leave it to rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce

1. In a small pot, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped garlic and sauté it over low heat for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.

2. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency, similar to ketchup.

Step 3: Assembling the pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This is the ideal temperature to achieve a crispy and golden crust.

2. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until you reach the desired thickness. You can make it thin for a crispy pizza or a bit thicker for a fluffier texture. Place it in the pizza pan, lined with flour.

3. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the surface.

4. Now, add the toppings! Sprinkle the mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, and olives. If you chose meat, add that too, sliced into strips. Each ingredient will contribute to a rich and savory flavor.

5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the pizza bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

Step 4: Finishing the pizza

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and generously sprinkle mozzarella on top. Return the pizza to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.

2. Once out of the oven, you can add a little leftover sauce on top for extra flavor. This will give your pizza an unmistakable taste, in place of store-bought ketchup.

3. Cut the pizza into slices and serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a glass of red wine.

Useful tips:

- *Quality ingredients*: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially for cheese and meat. Fresh mozzarella offers a wonderful texture and authentic taste.
- *Variations*: You can experiment with different ingredients, such as spinach, artichokes, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian pizza.
- *Storing leftovers*: If you have leftover pizza, you can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.
- *Calories and nutritional benefits*: A slice of pizza can contain between 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Pizza can be a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and, depending on the toppings, vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of flour is ideal for pizza?
Type 00 flour is the most recommended as it provides a fine texture and elasticity. If you don’t have it, you can use regular flour.

2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity (about 25 g of fresh yeast for 1 teaspoon of dry yeast).

3. How can I make pizza healthier?
You can opt for a whole wheat crust or add fresh vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, as additional toppings.

4. What drinks pair well with pizza?
A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, perfectly complements the flavor of the pizza, but you can also go for a craft beer or a fresh cocktail, such as a spritz.

Delicious Pizza is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it on a relaxing evening at home or at a party with friends, this pizza will bring smiles and appreciation. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: DOUGH: 200 ml water, 1 and a half tablespoons olive oil, 1 full teaspoon salt, 400 g flour, 1 teaspoon granulated yeast. SAUCE: one can of diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3-4 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, Pimento/chili (if a spicy sauce is desired), 100 ml water. FILLING: ham/bacon/chicken (your choice), one onion, one bell pepper, fresh mushrooms, pitted olives, mozzarella.

 Tags:  pizza mushrooms mozzarella