Pizza with green onions and kaiser

Pizza with Green Onions and Kaiser: A Flavorful and Fresh Experience

Who doesn't love a well-made pizza? It's that versatile dish that can be customized according to preferences and brings joy to every meal. Today, I will share with you an original recipe for pizza with green onions and kaiser, a dish that emerged from the desire to explore new flavor combinations. This pizza is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, offering you an explosion of fresh tastes with every bite.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour + 30 minutes in the fridge
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours (including rising time)
Number of servings: 2 large pizzas

A Brief History of Pizza

Pizza is a dish that has conquered the hearts of people around the world. Initially, it was conceived as a simple food for workers in Naples, Italy, but over time it evolved into various forms and styles, becoming a symbol of Italian cuisine. Whether it's with tomato sauce, cheese, or various toppings, pizza remains a universally loved dish, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the dough (for 2 pizzas):
- 500 grams of flour (choose type 00 flour for a finer texture)
- 25 grams of fresh yeast (or 7 grams of dry yeast)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (about 37-40°C)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of salt

For the topping (for one pizza):
- 1 tablespoon of fresh tomato sauce
- Dried oregano, to taste
- 3-4 slices of cheese (thinly sliced)
- 50 grams of grated mozzarella (in small quantity)
- A handful of sliced champignon mushrooms
- 50 grams of kaiser (thinly sliced, also known as 'lardons')
- 2 small green onion stalks, sliced into rings

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the yeast with lukewarm water and sugar. Let it sit for 15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients combine.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

2. Rising and refrigeration:
- After it has risen, the dough can be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffier and more flavorful pizza crust.

3. Preparing the crusts:
- Preheat the oven to 230°C. If you have a baking stone, it's ideal to place it in the oven to heat up.
- Take the dough out of the fridge and divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle. Preferably, keep the edges slightly thicker for a better crust.

4. Assembling the pizza:
- Place the pizza crust on a baking tray or on the baking stone. Spread a tablespoon of tomato sauce over the entire surface, leaving the edges free.
- Add a thin layer of cheese, followed by mozzarella. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and kaiser.
- Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and dried oregano on top.

5. Baking:
- Put the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check the crust to achieve the desired consistency: less time for a softer crust and more time for a crispy one.

6. Serving:
- Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or a glass of white wine.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and quality of the dish.
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using them for a more uniform dough.
- Recipe variations: You can add olives, peppers, or even pineapple to experiment with different combinations. Each variation will bring a distinct and interesting note to your pizza.
- Recommended drinks: This pizza pairs perfectly with a cold craft beer or a dry white wine that will complement the flavors of the ingredients.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of pizza with green onions and kaiser has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and oil used. It provides a balance of carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the cheese and meat, and fiber from the vegetables, making it a relatively healthy choice when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Bacon or even cooked chicken are excellent alternatives to kaiser.

2. Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes, the dough can be frozen. Divide it into portions, wrap them well in plastic wrap, and freeze. When you want to use it, let it thaw at room temperature.

3. How can I achieve a crispier pizza?
Bake the pizza on a baking stone or in a preheated tray. Also, make sure the crust is thin and even.

This pizza with green onions and kaiser is more than just a meal; it is a cooking and enjoying experience. Every bite will bring you joy and satisfaction, and the customized version you create will surely be a hit among family and friends. So, put on your apron and get ready to enjoy a delicious pizza that will remain in everyone's memories!

 Ingredients: For the dough for 2 servings: 500 grams of flour, 25 grams of yeast with warm water and sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt. For the topping for a pizza: a tablespoon of fresh tomato sauce, a bit of crushed oregano, a few slices of thinly sliced cheese, a little grated mozzarella, a handful of champignon mushrooms, 50 grams of kaiser sausage cut into thin slices (called lardons here in France), 2 small green onions sliced into rounds.