Pizza
Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dishes around the world. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been invented as a simple and accessible food for workers in urban areas. The pizza recipe we propose today is a delicious combination of ingredients, with a fluffy dough and savory fillings, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 200 ml warm water
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
For the filling:
- 100 g country ham, diced
- 1 sausage (pork or chicken, depending on preference)
- 50 g mushrooms (fresh or canned, sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (can be red, green, or yellow)
- 50 g olives (black or green, sliced)
- 50 g corn (canned or boiled)
- 200 g cheese (grated)
- 1-2 tomatoes (sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Ketchup (for serving)
Step by step for a perfect pizza:
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by dissolving the fresh yeast with the sugar in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Place this mixture in a well made in the center of the sifted flour. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 10 minutes. This step is essential as the yeast will activate fermentation, causing the dough to rise and become fluffy.
2. Kneading the dough:
Once the yeast has started to work, add the remaining warm water (200 ml) and a little salt to the flour mixture. Begin kneading the dough with your hands or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process will take about 10 minutes. Add the olive oil and continue kneading.
3. Let the dough rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. The dough should double in volume during this time.
4. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a pan, add the sliced sausage and diced ham. Fry them over medium heat until golden and slightly crispy. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and sauté together for 2-3 minutes. Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool.
5. Assembling the pizza:
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thick sheet of about 1 cm. Transfer the dough to an oiled and floured baking tray. Cover the dough with the sausage and ham filling, then add the sliced bell pepper, olives, corn, tomato slices, and finally, the grated cheese on top.
6. Baking the pizza:
Preheat the oven to a suitable temperature (about 200-220°C). Bake the pizza for 25-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. This is the moment when the aroma of pizza begins to fill the entire house, and anticipation will grow.
7. Serving:
Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it with ketchup on top or on the side for an extra flavor boost.
Practical tips:
- If you want an even crispier dough, you can add a tablespoon of milk to the water mixture.
- Vary the filling ingredients according to your preferences! You can use fresh vegetables, chicken meat, or even smoked fish.
- Pizza is delicious both hot and cold, so don’t hesitate to prepare it for a picnic or a quick snack.
Nutritional benefits:
Pizza can become a healthy choice if you use fresh, quality ingredients. Whole wheat flour can replace white flour, and vegetables add necessary fiber and vitamins for a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, but make sure to use the correct proportion (about 7 g of dry yeast for one cube of fresh yeast).
- How can I make the pizza lighter? Replace white flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends.
- What drinks pair best with pizza? A cold beer, white wine, or even a fruit cocktail can perfectly complement the meal.
This pizza recipe is not only simple but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together. Experiment with different ingredient combinations and enjoy every slice!
Ingredients: 500g, 1 cube of fresh beer yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 bell pepper, 1 sausage, 100g of country-style ham, 50g of mushrooms, 50g of olives, 50g of corn, 200g of cheese, 1 tomato, 1-2 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, ketchup.