Pizza with what you have in the fridge
Our recipe today is an invitation to creativity and flavor exploration, perfect for those days when you have unused ingredients in the fridge. We will prepare a delicious pizza with a soft and elastic dough, topped with whatever you desire. This simple pizza recipe will help you transform food leftovers into tasty meals, and your family or friends will be delighted with the final result.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 3 pizzas
Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 650 for better texture)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 50 g butter (melted)
Ingredients for the topping:
- Ketchup (or tomato sauce, according to preference)
- Oregano (fresh or dried)
- Leftover meat (chicken breast, dried salami, or other cold cuts)
- Emmental cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella (grated)
- Cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, place the flour and salt. Mix gently with a fork or spatula to combine. Then, make a well in the center of the flour.
2. Activating the yeast:
In the well created, add the yeast dissolved in a little lukewarm milk (from the 250 ml) and the teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast starts to foam.
3. Forming the dough:
Add the remaining lukewarm milk and melted butter to the bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Start kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Fermentation:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).
5. Dividing and rolling out the dough:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal parts. You can use a rolling pin or simply your hands to stretch each piece of dough into the desired shape, being careful not to roll it too thin.
6. Preparing the topping:
Preheat the oven to 220°C. On each rolled-out pizza base, spread ketchup and sprinkle oregano. Then, add the meat you have on hand, followed by the Emmental and mozzarella cheese. Add the halved cherry tomatoes for an extra touch of freshness.
7. Baking the pizza:
Place each pizza on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese melts and starts to brown.
8. Serving:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into slices and serve with a yogurt sauce or a green salad for a delicious contrast!
Practical tips:
- Flour: We recommend choosing a quality flour that provides elasticity to the dough. Type 650 flour is ideal for pizza.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, mix it directly with the flour without activating it first.
- Toppings: Use your creativity and add various toppings: vegetables, olives, anchovies, or even seafood for an unusual combination.
- Storage: You can freeze the uncooked dough, and when you're craving it, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of pizza (about 1/3 of a medium pizza) contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the toppings. This recipe is rich in carbohydrates, proteins (due to the cheese and meat), and fiber (if you add vegetables). Whole wheat flour can provide extra nutrients, and cherry tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier dough, but it may require more water.
- How can I make the pizza crispier? Try rolling the dough thinner and baking it at a higher temperature.
- What other sauces can I use? Instead of ketchup, you can use pesto sauce, white sauce, or even a combination of sauces.
Serving suggestions:
Pizza pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a light white wine. A fresh arugula salad with parmesan and lemon can add a pleasant contrast and a note of freshness.
Possible variations:
- Vegetarian pizza: Omit the meat and add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and spinach.
- Sweet pizza: Transform the pizza into a dessert by adding melted chocolate and berries on the crust, bake briefly, and serve with ice cream.
Whether you're preparing it for a quick dinner or a party with friends, this pizza made with whatever you have in the fridge is the perfect choice to bring joy and flavor to every bite. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 1 cube of yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, 250 ml milk, 50 g butter. Topping: ketchup, oregano, leftover chicken breast from a roasted chicken, dried salami, various meats for sandwiches, grated Emmental cheese, grated mozzarella, cherry tomatoes.
