Pizza with tomatoes and mozzarella

Pizza with Tomatoes and Mozzarella: A Classic Recipe Full of Flavor and Love

Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. Every corner of the planet has its version of pizza, but the essence remains the same: a perfectly baked dough topped with fresh and aromatic ingredients. In this recipe, we will focus on a simple yet delicious pizza with tomatoes and mozzarella, perfect for a family dinner or a movie night with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients for the dough:
- 300 g flour (preferably type 00 for a fine texture)
- 1/2 tablespoon lard (or olive oil for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with yeast fermentation)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cube fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- Warm water (as needed to obtain a non-sticky dough)

Ingredients for the topping:
- Fresh tomatoes (3-4 large, ripe tomatoes)
- Mozzarella (200 g, sliced)
- Sweet ketchup (or high-quality tomato sauce)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, crumble the yeast cube and add the sugar, 2 teaspoons of flour, and a little warm water. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. Let the mixture rise for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step to achieve a fluffy pizza.

2. Preparing the dough
In a larger bowl, add the flour, oregano, salt, and lard. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the risen yeast mixture. Start gradually incorporating warm water, kneading the dough. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky. This is when you can feel the perfect texture for pizza dough.

3. Rising the dough
Sprinkle a little flour on the dough and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial as it allows the yeast to create air bubbles, resulting in a slightly fluffy and delicious pizza.

4. Preparing the crusts
After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Gently knead it to release the air, then roll it out into a thin sheet according to the size of your baking tray. Place the dough sheet in the tray lined with baking paper. Now, it's time to customize your pizza, so use the sweet ketchup to evenly cover the crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 10 minutes. This step will help the crust become slightly crispy.

5. Adding the toppings
Remove the tray from the oven and place the tomato slices on the pizza crust, distributing them evenly. They will add freshness and flavor to your dish. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 minutes to bake the tomatoes and intensify their flavor.

6. Finishing the pizza
Once the tomatoes have softened, take the pizza out of the oven and add the mozzarella slices. Leave the pizza in the oven for a few more minutes until the mozzarella melts and starts to form those delicious strings.

7. Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can sprinkle a bit of oregano on top for a more attractive appearance and an extra flavor boost.

Serving suggestions:
This pizza with tomatoes and mozzarella pairs perfectly with a fresh arugula and parmesan salad or a glass of dry white wine, which will complement the flavors beautifully.

Tips and variations:
If you want to add a burst of flavor, you can include some black olives or slices of hot pepper. You can also try replacing mozzarella with feta cheese or a mix of cheeses for a more intense taste.

Nutritional information:
One serving of pizza with tomatoes and mozzarella has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the thickness of the dough and the amount of mozzarella used. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, while mozzarella provides essential proteins and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use whole wheat flour?*
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the dough may be denser. Make sure to adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.

- *How can I make this dough faster?*
To save time, you can use quick-dry yeast, which does not require activation. Just add it directly to the flour.

- *What other toppings can I use?*
Besides tomatoes and mozzarella, you can add mushrooms, ham, pineapple, or grilled vegetables, depending on your preferences.

Whether you’re making a classic pizza or trying a bolder variation, remember that cooking is an art and a joy. Enjoy every step and savor the final result! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 300 g flour 1/2 tablespoon lard 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 cube yeast a pinch of salt warm waterTopping: tomatoes mozzarella sweet ketchup

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