Rustic pizza

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes in the world, with a rich and varied history that brings us together around the table. From classic Margherita pizza to innovative topping combinations, each recipe has its own story. Today, I will share a simple rustic pizza recipe, perfect for delighting your family and friends. This dish is not only delicious but also an excellent way to express your creativity in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 55 minutes (including rising time)
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:
- Strips of chicken breast (oven-cooked)
- 200 g mozzarella
- 100 g olives
- 100 g corn
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tomatoes
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Dried thyme
- Ketchup (sweet or spicy, according to preference)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by preparing the dough. Fresh yeast is an essential ingredient for a fluffy pizza. Dissolve the 25 g of yeast in 100 ml of warm water, adding a teaspoon of sugar to activate the yeast. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on the surface.

In the meantime, in a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Then add the olive oil and the remaining warm water. Mix the ingredients well with a wooden spoon or your hands until all the ingredients are incorporated.

If the dough is too sticky, feel free to add a little more flour until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This is a general rule, but each type of flour can react differently, so adjust the amount of flour as necessary.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for at least two hours. This step is crucial, as the yeast will make the dough rise, resulting in a light and fluffy crust. If you have time, you can prepare the dough the night before and leave it in the refrigerator. This way, the flavor will become even more intense.

Step 3: Prepare the toppings
While the dough rises, you can prepare the toppings. Cut the mozzarella into cubes, and the onion, olives, and tomatoes into thin slices. If desired, you can marinate the olives in olive oil and spices for extra flavor. You can also use leftover chicken breast from a previous dinner or prepare it fresh, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and herbs in the oven.

Step 4: Roll out the dough
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and divide the dough into two equal parts if you want to make two pizzas with different toppings. Roll each piece of dough into a round shape, with the desired thickness. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to achieve a crispy and tasty crust.

Step 5: Assemble the pizza
Place each pizza crust on a baking tray sprinkled with flour or on a tray lined with baking paper. Sprinkle a little thyme and salt on each crust, then add mozzarella, followed by your preferred toppings. On the first pizza, add strips of chicken breast, onion slices, olives, and corn. On the second pizza, you can add just mozzarella and tomato slices for a fresher option.

Step 6: Bake the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the pizzas in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before cutting. This step will help set the cheese and make slicing easier.

Serving and variations
Rustic pizza is perfect served fresh out of the oven, but you can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce. A bottle of white wine or a cold beer pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Variations:
- You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for an exotic touch.
- Replace mozzarella with feta cheese or goat cheese for a different taste.
- If you like spicy flavors, add a few slices of jalapeño.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast. Mix the dry yeast directly into the flour without dissolving it.

2. How can I store leftover dough?
You can store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for later use. Make sure to let it thaw and rise before using.

3. Is pizza healthy?
Pizza can be a healthy option if you use fresh ingredients and control the amount of cheese and sauce. Whole wheat flour can be a healthier alternative to white flour.

4. Can I make vegan pizza?
Absolutely! Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or tomato sauce and add fresh vegetables as toppings.

This rustic pizza recipe is not only a delight but also a pleasant cooking experience that will bring you joy in sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. I look forward to hearing how it turned out for you! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 25 g fresh yeast, salt, 300 ml warm water, 2 tablespoons olive oil. Topping: strips of chicken breast (oven-cooked), mozzarella, olives, corn, onion, tomatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, ketchup (sweet or spicy).

 Tags:  rustic pizza agricultural