Pizza
Delicious Pizza Recipe with Leavened Dough
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Pizza is an iconic dish loved by millions of people around the world. This simple and quick recipe will bring the joy of homemade pizza right into your kitchen. Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly leavened dough, combined with delicious toppings that will delight your senses. Whether you serve it at a dinner with friends or during a movie night with family, pizza is always a good choice.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Flour, as needed (approximately 500 g)
- Warm water (approximately 250 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the topping:
- 1 can of mushrooms (approx. 400 g)
- 100 g dried salami, sliced thin
- 100 g olives (black or green, as preferred)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 150 g grated cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons spicy ketchup (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Preparing the dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the salt and mix well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbles form, indicating that the yeast is active.
In a large bowl, gradually add the flour, mixing constantly with a spatula or a dough hook mixer. Add the dried thyme as well. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can gradually add more flour.
2. Leavening the dough
Form a ball from the dough and place it in an oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.
3. Preparing the baking tray
Meanwhile, prepare the baking tray. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the large oven tray, ensuring it is well secured.
4. Forming the pizza base
When the dough has risen, roll it out on a work surface sprinkled with a bit of flour. Divide the dough into two equal parts. From the first part, form a round sheet using a rolling pin. You can use the removable bottom of a cake pan to achieve a perfect circle.
5. Assembling the pizza
Place the pizza base in the prepared tray. Spread it evenly with spicy ketchup, leaving a few centimeters free at the edges for the crust. Sprinkle a layer of thyme on top.
Add the toppings in the following order: well-drained mushrooms, slices of salami, olives, diced red pepper, and finally, a generous layer of grated cheese. This combination of ingredients will not only provide an extraordinary taste but will also create a delicious texture, with a contrast between crunchy and creamy.
6. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Once the oven is well heated, place the tray with the pizza inside and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and starts to brown slightly.
7. Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting it. You can sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for added flavor. Serve the pizza hot, alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink.
Suggestions and variations
This pizza recipe can be customized to your taste. Instead of mushrooms, you can add zucchini or eggplant, and for added flavor, you can use different sauces instead of ketchup, such as pesto or white sauce.
Also, if you like it spicy, add a few slices of hot pepper or even a few drops of Sriracha sauce on top.
Nutritional benefits
Pizza can be a balanced meal if made with healthy ingredients. The whole wheat flour used for the dough provides fiber, while the vegetable toppings add essential vitamins. Salami can be rich in protein, but moderate consumption is recommended due to its fat content.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 5 g of dry yeast and follow the same instructions.
2. How can I store leftover pizza?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.
3. Can I freeze pizza?
Yes, pizza can be frozen. I recommend freezing it before baking to preserve the best texture.
Conclusion
Making a delicious and aromatic pizza is a pleasant and satisfying activity. This simple pizza recipe with leavened dough is perfect for any occasion. Try experimenting with different toppings and flavors to create the perfect pizza for you and your loved ones. Enjoy every slice and cherish every moment spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: Dough: 15g of yeast, salt, flour as needed, water, a little thyme. Base: 1 can of mushrooms, dried salami, olives, bell pepper, cheese, and spicy ketchup.
Tags: pizza