Italian ham and salami pizza

Pizza with Italian Ham and Salami

Who doesn’t love a delicious, crispy pizza full of flavor? This recipe for pizza with Italian ham and salami is not only simple but also packed with taste, and the homemade dough adds an extra layer of flavor and authenticity. Pizza actually has a long history, with its origins closely tied to the culinary traditions of various cultures. Whether you enjoy it on a weekend evening or prepare it for a special occasion, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.

Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 20 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Warm water (approximately 150 ml, adjust as needed)

For the topping:
- Italian ham (approximately 100 g, thinly sliced)
- Salami (approximately 100 g, thinly sliced)
- 3-4 tablespoons sweet ketchup
- 150 g mozzarella (grated)

Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add the sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Pour in a little warm water (not hot!) just enough to dissolve everything. Mix gently and let it rise for 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is an indication that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. In a larger bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well and then make a well in the center. Add the risen yeast mixture and start gradually adding warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon. As the dough begins to form, use your hands to knead.

3. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes non-sticky and elastic. Finally, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and knead for a few more minutes to incorporate the oil.

4. Sprinkle a little flour on the dough and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, preferably in a room with a constant temperature, until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Preparing the pizza base
1. Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and knead it gently to release the air. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 0.5 cm.

2. Place the dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring it fits well at the edges. You can use a round or square tray, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Assembling the topping
1. Spread the sweet ketchup evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a little space at the edges to create a crust.

2. Place the slices of Italian ham and salami over the ketchup, distributing them evenly to create an appetizing look.

3. Preheat the oven to 220°C. When it’s ready, place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 4: Finishing and serving
1. When the pizza is almost done, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle grated mozzarella on top. Put the pizza back in the oven and let the cheese melt, about 5 minutes.

2. Once the mozzarella is melted and starts to bubble, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into slices and serve hot, alongside a fresh salad or a glass of red wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Useful Tips
- Yeast: Check the expiration date of your yeast to ensure it is active. If using dry yeast, follow the instructions on the package for activation.
- Flour: You can experiment with different types of flour. Type 00 flour is ideal for pizza, but regular flour will work well and yield excellent results.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! You can add mushrooms, peppers, olives, or even pineapple if you like the sweet-salty combination.
- Serving: Serve the pizza with garlic sauce or chili sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Information
This pizza with Italian ham and salami has approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the proportions of ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the ham and cheese, while the olive oil adds healthy fats to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
2. What can I use instead of ketchup?
You can use pizza sauce or homemade tomato sauce for a more intense flavor.
3. How do 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 regain its crispiness.
4. Can I freeze pizza?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked pizza. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.

Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to prepare this delicious recipe for pizza with Italian ham and salami, you are ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Don’t forget to have fun in the process and experiment with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 300 g flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1 pinch of salt 1/2 cube yeast 2 tablespoons olive oil warm waterTopping: Italian ham salami sweet ketchup mozzarella

 Tags:  pizza university competition