Pizza
Delicious pizza with generous toppings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings
Are you dreaming of the perfect pizza, with a fluffy crust, filled with mouth-watering ingredients? I invite you to discover my delicious pizza recipe, which will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring smiles to your face. This recipe is a real calorie bomb, but it's worth every calorie!
A brief history of pizza
Pizza is a dish that has traversed time and cultures, becoming a symbol of conviviality. Originating from a simple tradition of adding toppings to a piece of bread, pizza has evolved into the varied forms we know today. Whether you prefer it with a thin or fluffy crust, pizza remains a beloved and versatile dish.
Necessary ingredients
*For the crust:*
- 500 g flour (preferably type 00 for a fluffier crust)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
*For the toppings:*
- 200 g tomato paste (or ketchup, depending on preferences)
- 150 g sausages, sliced
- 150 g smoked ham (or tenderloin), sliced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced (champignon mushrooms are ideal)
- 100 g black or green olives, sliced
- 200 g cheese, grated (preferably of good quality, for an intense flavor)
- 2-3 strips of bell pepper, sliced (for extra color and flavor)
Useful tips about ingredients
1. Flour: Choose a quality flour, preferably type 00, which is fine and rich in gluten, for a fluffy crust.
2. Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. You can check this by dissolving it in a part of the lukewarm water; if it forms foam, it's ready to use.
3. Toppings: Be creative! You can add other ingredients like hot peppers, anchovies, or Kalamata olives, depending on your preferences.
Preparation techniques
*Step 1: Preparing the dough*
In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. In another container, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water and let it activate for a few minutes. Add the olive oil, if using. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and mix well with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
*Step 2: Rising the dough*
Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in volume.
*Step 3: Preparing the toppings*
While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings. You can sauté the mushrooms in a pan with a little oil to enhance their flavor, but this step is optional. All other ingredients can be used directly.
*Step 4: Assembling the pizza*
After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C. Roll out the dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, giving it a rectangular or round shape, depending on your preference. Spread the tomato paste (or ketchup) over the crust and add the sausages, smoked ham, mushrooms, olives, bell pepper, and finally the grated cheese.
*Step 5: Baking the pizza*
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges become golden and crispy.
*Step 6: Serving*
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing it. You can serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil for extra flavor.
Possible variations
- Vegetarian pizza: You can omit the meat and add only vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
- Spicy pizza: Add slices of jalapeño or chili flakes for a more intense flavor.
- Fruit pizza: Experiment with pineapple or caramelized apples for a sweeter version.
Ideal combinations
This pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or, for a more substantial meal, with a creamy vegetable soup. An ideal drink to accompany it would be a cold lemonade or even a glass of white wine, which will complement the flavors.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
2. What can I do if I don't have fresh yeast?
You can use dry yeast, 7 g equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast.
3. Can pizza be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked pizza. Roll out the dough, add the toppings, but do not bake it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer.
4. How can I make pizza healthier?
Replace white flour with whole wheat flour, use low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables.
I invite you to try this delicious pizza recipe and enjoy every bite! Whether you prepare it for a family evening or a gathering with friends, this dish will surely please everyone. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: for the base: flour, half a cube of yeast, water, salt powder topping: tomato paste (this time I used ketchup because I ran out of paste) sausages, kaizer (pastrama / tenderloin), mushrooms, olives, cheese
