Pizza

Delicious Pizza Recipe with Soft Dough and Savory Toppings

Pizza is a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. This simple and quick pizza recipe is sure to become your family's favorite. With a soft and elastic dough, and a combination of delicious toppings, this pizza is perfect for a family dinner or a night with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30-40 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650 for a finer texture)
- 250 ml warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, according to preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)

For the sauce:
- 150 ml ketchup (or tomato sauce for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 5 tablespoons water

For the toppings:
- 150 g ham (diced)
- 2 pieces of cabanos (sliced)
- 200 g mushrooms (chopped)
- 100 g corn (canned or boiled)
- 100 g broccoli (boiled or steamed)
- 100 g olives (black or green, according to preference)
- 200 g cheese (grated)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. This step helps aerate the flour and evenly distribute the salt.
2. Activating the yeast: In a small container, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is proof that the yeast is active.
3. Kneading: Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and start kneading. Gradually add the olive oil, continuing to knead until you obtain a soft and elastic dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but not excessive.
4. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, oregano, basil, sugar, and the 5 tablespoons of water. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth. This will be the delicious base for your pizza.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza
1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on a clean work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you achieve a round or rectangular shape, depending on the baking tray you are using.
2. Transferring to the tray: Place the dough in the greased and floured baking tray or lined with parchment paper. Make sure it is well placed, and the edges are slightly raised to keep the toppings inside.
3. Adding the sauce: Spread a few tablespoons of sauce over the pizza base. Sprinkle some grated cheese to help the toppings stick to the base.
4. The toppings: Add ham, cabanos, mushrooms, corn, broccoli, and olives. Be creative and add your favorite toppings for a customized pizza!

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C for fan ovens) before placing the pizza in the oven.
2. Baking: Place the pizza tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
3. Finishing: With 5 minutes before removing the pizza, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top. Wait for it to melt and become slightly browned.

Serving
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing it. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink. A personal recommendation would be to pair it with a glass of freshly made lemonade or a light white wine that complements the flavors.

Useful Tips
- Variations of the dough: You can add dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
- Alternative toppings: Experiment with feta cheese, grilled vegetables, or even pineapple for a tropical version.
- Storage: Pizza can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

Nutritional Benefits
Pizza can be a balanced meal, especially if you include fresh vegetables and lean proteins. The pizza dough is a good source of carbohydrates, while the toppings provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By making pizza at home, you can control the ingredients and portions, making it a healthy choice.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I use warm water? Warm water helps activate the yeast, which is essential for a fluffy dough.
- What if the dough doesn't rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the temperature is suitable for rising.
- Can I freeze pizza? Yes, you can freeze pizza before baking it, ensuring you wrap it well in cling film.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get cooking! This pizza recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but will also bring a touch of happiness to your home. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500g flour, 250ml warm water, 1 packet yeast, 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar. For the sauce: 150ml ketchup, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 5 tablespoons water. 150g ham, 2 pieces of kabanos, mushrooms, corn, broccoli, olives, cheese.

 Tags:  pizza pizza dough