Oltenian Pizza
Oltenian Pizza: A Delicacy with Leek and Cheese
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Whether it's a relaxing evening at home or a gathering with friends, pizza is always an excellent choice. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for Oltenian Pizza, a delicious combination of ingredients that blends traditional flavors with a touch of innovation. This pizza is special due to the use of leek, an ingredient that gives it a sweet aroma and a unique taste. Let's get started!
Ingredients needed
For the dough:
- 200 ml warm water
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 400 g flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated yeast
For the filling:
- 250 g ham (preferably smoked)
- 5-6 fresh mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 leek
- 2 handfuls of finely chopped fresh spinach
- 200 g cheese (or as desired)
- 100 g sheep cheese
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 100 ml water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (or chili paste) to taste
Preparing the dough
1. Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the dough. Ensure that the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying its properties.
2. Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a bread machine, add the water, olive oil, and salt. Then, add the flour and yeast. Select the kneading and rising program. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and airy dough.
3. Step 3: Let the dough rise
Once the program is finished, let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. It will rise significantly, becoming perfect for pizza.
Preparing the sauce
1. Step 1: Heating the ingredients
In a pot, combine the tomato paste with water and tomato juice. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil.
2. Step 2: Adding the spices
Once the sauce starts to boil, add the spices: oregano, thyme, bay leaf, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thicker, not too thin.
Preparing the filling
1. Step 1: Chopping the ingredients
Cut the ham into thin strips, the bell pepper into rings, the leek into thin slices, and the mushrooms into slices. Finely chop the spinach.
2. Step 2: Mixing the cheeses
Grate the cheese and sheep cheese using a fine grater. Mix them well and add the chopped spinach, stirring until the mixture is uniform.
Assembling the pizza
1. Step 1: Preparing the baking tray
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium). Grease a baking tray with a little oil.
2. Step 2: Spreading the dough
After the dough has risen, spread it into the prepared tray. If it seems too thick, do not use all the dough, but adjust according to the size of the tray.
3. Step 3: Adding the sauce and ingredients
Evenly spread the prepared tomato sauce over the dough. Place the ham, mushrooms, leek, and bell pepper on top. Sprinkle generously with the cheese and spinach mixture.
Baking the pizza
1. Step 1: Placing in the oven
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese melts, forming a delicious crust.
2. Step 2: Cooling and serving
After the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This step will help maintain the shape of the ingredients and make cutting easier.
Serving suggestions and variations
Oltenian Pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a flavorful yogurt sauce. You can also experiment with other ingredients, such as olives or various types of cheese, to give it a personalized flavor. If you want to make it spicier, add more hot sauce or chili to the tomato sauce.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be different.
2. What can I do if I don't have a bread machine?
You can knead the dough by hand, but it will require more time and effort.
3. Can the pizza be frozen?
Of course! You can freeze it before or after baking. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap.
Nutritional benefits
Oltenian Pizza is a good source of protein due to the cheeses and ham, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Leek has antioxidant properties and is beneficial for digestion. It's a delicious and nutritious choice, perfect for the whole family.
Buon appetito a tutti! Enjoy every slice of this delicious pizza that combines tradition with innovation!
Ingredients: Dough: 200 ml water, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 400 g flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons granulated yeast. Filling: 250 g ham, 5-6 fresh mushrooms, 1 red bell pepper, a stalk of leek, two handfuls of fresh spinach, finely chopped, 200 g cheese (or as desired), 100 g sheep cheese. Spicy sauce: 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 100 ml tomato juice, 100 ml water, oregano, thyme, Pimento sauce or chili paste to taste, 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves of garlic, crushed well, salt, pepper.
