Simple homemade pizza

Homemade Simple Pizza

Who doesn't love pizza? This versatile dish is loved by everyone and is perfect for a family dinner or a party with friends. In this recipe, I will show you how to make a simple homemade pizza using accessible ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques. You will end up with two delicious pizzas, perfect for sharing.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (20 minutes prep + 30 minutes baking + 10 minutes resting)
Number of servings: 4-6 servings (2 pizzas)

Ingredients

For the pizza dough:
- 1 classic pizza dough (recipe available in the dedicated section)
- 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil (or olive oil for a Mediterranean taste)

For the toppings:
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (choose a medium-thick paste, slightly liquid)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 0.5 kg of chicken pastrama or smoked salami
- 200 g of canned mushrooms, drained
- 200 g of sliced olives (green or black, as preferred)
- 300 g of grated cheese (or mozzarella for a fluffier texture)
- 300 g of sliced tomatoes
- 200 g of sliced bell peppers
- 2 onions, sliced into rings (optional, adds a sweet flavor)

Steps for preparation

Step 1: Preparing the oven and trays
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. While the oven is heating, generously grease the special pizza tray with sunflower oil, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step is essential to prevent the dough from sticking.

Step 2: Preparing the ingredients
Now it's time to prepare all the ingredients. Slice the chicken pastrama or salami into thin rounds. Drain the mushrooms and slice the olives (if they have pits, press the side of the knife to release the pits). Slice the tomatoes and bell peppers thinly. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of basil. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to the pizza base.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
Lightly oil your hands and spread the pizza dough evenly in the prepared tray. The edges should be slightly raised to prevent the toppings from spilling. Use a rolling pin or simply your hands to achieve the desired shape.

Step 4: Apply the sauce
With a kitchen brush, spread the dough with the tomato paste mixture, oil, and basil, ensuring every corner is covered. This sauce will form a flavorful base for the delicious toppings.

Step 5: Adding the toppings
Evenly distribute the salami or pastrama over the entire surface of the dough. Then, add half of the mushrooms and olives. Grate half of the cheese over the entire pizza. Add the slices of tomatoes and bell peppers for a colorful and fresh appearance.

Step 6: Baking
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. It is important to monitor the pizza in the last minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Step 7: Resting and serving
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the tray for 5-10 minutes. This will help stabilize the ingredients so they don’t fall when you slice it. Cut the pizza into slices and serve warm.

Recommendations and variations

- Topping variations: Experiment with various ingredients such as artichokes, chili peppers, prosciutto, or fresh vegetables. Pizza is a perfect canvas for expressing your culinary creativity!
- Serving: This simple pizza can be served with a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink, such as lemonade or a fruit cocktail.
- Personal story: This pizza recipe reminds me of family moments when each member chose their favorite toppings and helped prepare the meal. It’s a great activity to spend quality time with loved ones.

Nutritional information

One serving of pizza provides approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the thickness of the dough and the chosen toppings. It is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, but it’s important to consume it in moderation, especially if you are on a controlled diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it will change the texture of the dough, making it denser. Add a little extra water if necessary.

2. How can I store pizza if there are leftovers?
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.

3. Is the pizza vegan?
This recipe is not vegan due to the cheese and cold cuts. You can replace the cheese with a vegan alternative and omit the meat to make it vegan.

4. How can I make the pizza spicier?
Add chili flakes or chili sauce to the tomato sauce to give it a spicy flavor.

Every time you prepare this simple homemade pizza, remember that each ingredient adds a personal touch. Experiment, enjoy, and make every meal a special occasion!

 Ingredients: Classic pizza dough - 1 piece according to the recipe posted by me in the pizza section. Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon (Use medium density, slightly liquid tomato paste). Sunflower oil - 4 tablespoons (you can also use olive oil). Dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon. Dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon. Chicken pastrami/smoked salami - 0.5 kg. Canned mushrooms - 200 g. Sliced olives - 200 g. Classic cheese - 300 g. Tomatoes - 300 g. Bell peppers - 200 g. 2 onions sliced into rings (optional). Tools: Special pizza tray. If you use another type of tray, I cannot guarantee exceptional results.

 Tags:  homemade pizza pizza dough