Rustic pizza

Rustic Pizza: A Delight in Every Slice

Pizza is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience filled with flavors, textures, and stories. Its origins lie in the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, and today, pizza has become a symbol of conviviality, bringing people together at the table. This rustic pizza recipe that I will share with you is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing every chef to express their creativity. Let's venture into the savory world of rustic pizza!

Preparation and Baking Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 60 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 8

Necessary Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 450 g flour (ideal for pizza, but you can also use regular flour)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably olive oil, for a more intense flavor)
- 220 ml milk (can also be plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 pinch of baking powder (for a fluffier dough)

*For the topping:*
- 200 g mini mozzarella (or regular mozzarella, diced)
- 300 g ham (preferably smoked, for added flavor)
- 300 g spicy dried salami (or other types of salami, depending on preference)
- 100 g sliced olives (black or green, depending on taste)
- 300 g Emmental cheese (or any cheese that melts well)
- 2 g oregano (dried, for an authentic taste)
- 15 ml oil (to grease the dough)

*For the sauce:*
- 400 g tomato puree (you can also use fresh, crushed tomatoes)
- 10 g sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 2 g oregano (for an extra flavor)
- 30 ml flavored olive oil (or plain, depending on preference)
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in warm milk, adding the sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If using dry yeast, mix it directly with the flour.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl or the bread machine, add the milk (with the activated yeast), oil, salt, and flour mixed with baking powder. Mix well, either by hand or using the kneading program of the machine, until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in volume. If you don't have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the tomato puree with sugar, oregano, salt, and olive oil. Mix well and let the sauce rest for a few minutes so that the flavors blend.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preparing the tray: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Spreading the dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Use your hands to stretch it to the size of the tray. Make sure the dough is even and not too thin.

3. Adding the sauce: Place the dough in the tray and evenly spread the prepared tomato sauce over it.

4. Adding the toppings: Arrange the slices of salami and strips of ham over the sauce. Add halves of mozzarella and sliced olives, and finally, grate the Emmental on top. Sprinkle oregano over the entire surface of the pizza for a special look and taste.

5. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let the pizza bake for about 60 minutes or until it is golden and crispy.

Serving the Pizza

Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. You can serve it plain or with various sauces, such as garlic sauce or chili sauce, for an extra flavor. This rustic pizza is perfect for an evening with friends or a family meal, being a choice that will delight everyone.

Variations and Practical Tips

- Ingredient variations: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or caramelized onions. You can also experiment with different cheeses to achieve a unique taste.
- Vegetarian pizza: Replace the meat with fresh vegetables or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Gluten-free dough: If you have gluten intolerance, you can use gluten-free flour specifically designed for pizza.

Nutritional Benefits

Pizza can be a healthy choice, especially if you use fresh and whole ingredients. Mozzarella provides calcium and protein, while the added vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, homemade pizza dough allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option than restaurant pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, it is an excellent alternative. Use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast.
- How do I know when the pizza is ready? The pizza is ready when the edges are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure it is airtight to prevent drying out.

I hope this rustic pizza recipe inspires you to spend time in the kitchen and create a delicious meal. Remember, every pizza is a page from your culinary story and an opportunity to share your love for cooking with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 450 g flour 25 g yeast (7 g dry yeast) 4 tablespoons oil 220 ml milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 pinch of baking powder Topping: 200 g mozzarella 300 g ham 300 g spicy dried salami 100 g sliced olives 300 g Emmental cheese 2 g oregano 15 ml oil Sauce: 400 g tomato puree 10 g sugar 2 g Kotany oregano 30 ml flavored olive oil salt

 Tags:  rustic pizza delaco