Pizza

Homemade pizza with perfect dough and delicious toppings

Who can resist a slice of steaming pizza, with fluffy dough and aromatic toppings? Pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized according to individual preferences. In this recipe, you will learn how to make perfect dough using cold water, a secret I recently discovered that makes a huge difference. Together, we will create a delicious pizza that will impress anyone who sits at your table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g flour (preferably type 00 for pizza)
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 250 ml cold water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (high quality)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons oil for kneading

For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 200 ml tomato sauce (fresh or canned)
- Oregano (to taste)

For the toppings:
- 100 g bacon (cut into cubes)
- 2 semi-smoked sausages (sliced)
- 2 slices turkey ham (cut into strips)
- 12 slices dried salami
- 6 fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- 150 g mozzarella (grated or sliced)

Step by step: Making the pizza

1. Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough, which is the base of any successful pizza. In a large bowl, add the dry yeast and cold water. Then add the olive oil, sugar, and salt. Whisk well to combine the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes for the yeast to activate. You will notice bubbles forming, a sign that the yeast is starting to work.

After 10 minutes, gradually add the flour, kneading with your hands or with a mixer with dough hooks. Continue kneading until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. Finally, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and knead again until the oil is fully absorbed.

Once you have a smooth and elastic dough, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. This step is essential as the dough will become fluffy and light.

2. Preparing the tomato sauce
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the tomato sauce. In a small pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté for a few seconds until they become golden, being careful not to burn them.

Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and oregano to taste. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This will intensify the flavors and provide a delicious taste.

3. Assembling the pizza
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn the dough out. Roll it out into a thick sheet, according to your preferences (keep in mind it will rise more in the oven). You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even shape.

Place the dough in a rectangular baking tray or a pizza tray. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, ensuring you cover the entire surface evenly. Then, add your favorite toppings, starting with the bacon, sausages, ham, salami slices, mushrooms, and finally mozzarella.

4. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the pizza for 20 minutes. After this time, take the pizza out of the oven and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Put the pizza back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

5. Serving
Take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve hot, alongside a fresh salad or a glass of red wine, which will perfectly complement the delicious aroma of your pizza. Another option would be a freshly made lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

Useful tips
- For an even fluffier dough, you can let the dough rise longer, even up to 1 hour.
- If you prefer a crispier pizza, roll the dough thinner.
- You can experiment with various toppings such as grilled vegetables, olives, or anchovies.
- If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can use fresh tomato puree or pesto for a unique variation.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of pizza (about 1/6 of the pizza) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the chosen toppings. Pizza can be a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats (if you use olive oil). Additionally, adding vegetables and cheeses enriches the nutritional profile.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use warm water instead of cold water?
- Cold water helps to activate the yeast more slowly, which can lead to a fluffier dough. However, you can use warm water if you prefer.

2. How can I store pizza to eat later?
- Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

3. What is the best cheese for pizza?
- Mozzarella is the most popular, but you can also combine it with cheddar or parmesan for a more intense flavor.

Personal variation
A delicious variation I recently tried is adding Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers as toppings. This brings an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work! Experiment, personalize, and enjoy every slice of freshly baked pizza. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 600g flour, 1 packet of dry beer yeast, 250ml cold water, 4 tablespoons olive oil, salt, 3 tablespoons oil for kneading. Tomato sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar, 200ml tomato sauce, oregano. For the topping: 100g bacon, 2 pieces of semi-smoked sausages, 2 slices of turkey ham, 12 slices of dried salami, 6 fresh mushrooms sliced, 150g mozzarella.