Cheese Pizza
Cheese and Olive Pizza - A Classic Recipe Full of Flavor
Today, I present to you a delicious recipe for cheese and olive pizza that will bring joy to every corner of your home. Pizza has a rich history, evolving over time into various versions while always remaining a symbol of conviviality and meals shared with loved ones. This recipe is simple yet extremely tasty, perfect for a family dinner or an evening with friends. Let's get started!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500-600 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml warm water
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the filling:
- 300 g cheese
- 400 g cheese (a mix of sheep cheese and cow cheese)
- 100 g pitted olives
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (or purée)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
For serving:
- Spicy ketchup
Step by step
1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and oregano, gently mixing the dry ingredients to combine them. In the center of the flour, make a well and pour in a little warm water. Add the fresh yeast and let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential because the yeast will activate fermentation, allowing the dough to rise lightly and fluffy.
2. Kneading the dough
Once the yeast starts bubbling, gradually add the remaining warm water and the 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Begin kneading the dough with your hands, mixing the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous and slightly elastic composition. If the dough is too sticky, you can gradually add a little flour. A useful technique is to press the dough with your palms and then fold it, repeating the process for about 5-10 minutes. This will develop the gluten, giving the dough a perfect texture.
3. Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30-45 minutes or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy pizza.
4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the ingredients for the filling. Grate the cheese and mix it with the other cheese until you achieve a homogeneous composition. You can adapt the cheese according to your preferences, adding mozzarella for a creamier texture or feta for a more intense flavor. Cut the olives in half or slices, depending on your preference.
5. Assembling the pizza
After the dough has risen, grease a baking tray with a little oil. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin or your hands until you achieve a round or rectangular shape, depending on the tray used. Place the dough in the tray, spread the tomato paste on top, and sprinkle oregano over it. Continue by adding a layer of cheese, a layer of the other cheese, the olives, and then another layer of cheese. Finally, you can drizzle a little ketchup on top for an even more intense flavor.
6. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the pizza tray in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and bubbles appetizingly. I recommend checking the pizza after 20 minutes to ensure it doesn't burn.
7. Serving
Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly, then cut it into slices. Serve it with spicy ketchup, which will add a bit of spice and flavor to your dish. For a personal touch, you can also add a few fresh basil leaves on top for an attractive appearance and fresh taste.
Practical tips
- Calories and nutritional benefits: One serving of cheese and olive pizza (approximately 1/6 of the pizza) has around 350-400 calories. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, adding goat cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or red onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Add it directly to the flour.
- How can I make the dough faster? If you're in a hurry, you can use store-bought pizza dough.
- What drinks pair well with pizza? A cold beer or a light red wine are the perfect choices to accompany your delicious pizza.
This cheese and olive pizza recipe is not just a great way to enjoy a delicious dinner, but also an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply for a relaxing evening, the result will always be appreciated. So put on your apron and start cooking! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough we need: 500-600 grams of flour, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, 25 grams of yeast, a teaspoon of sugar, 250 ml of warm water, a teaspoon of oregano (dried), a teaspoon of salt or to taste. For the filling we need: 300 grams of casacval cheese, 100 grams of pitted olives, 400 grams of cheese (a mix of sheep and cow cheese), 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of dried basil. For serving: spicy ketchup.
