Delicious pizza with a fluffy crust
Delicious pizza with fluffy crust
Who doesn't love a warm pizza with a fluffy, flavorful crust and delicious toppings? This simple pizza recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you're preparing a family dinner or a party with friends. I will guide you step by step through the process of making this pizza that will surely become everyone's favorite.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Necessary ingredients
For the crust:
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 300 ml warm milk (not hot)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 50 g melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
For the sauce:
- 100 g crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- Pepper and salt to taste
- Spices: oregano, thyme, basil to taste
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the toppings:
- Ingredients of your choice (I used):
- 1 bunch of green onions, finely chopped
- Turkey pastrami, sliced
- Grated mozzarella
- Red bell pepper, diced
The history of pizza
Pizza has a fascinating history, being considered one of the most beloved dishes in the world. From its early forms, which were simple breads with various toppings, pizza has evolved into various versions, each with its regional specificity. Regardless of the ingredients, pizza always brings family and friends together, being a symbol of conviviality.
Preparing the dough
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 100 ml of the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise fluffy and soft.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon, gradually adding the remaining warm milk.
3. When the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a well-floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. A useful trick is to add a little flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to overdo it, so the dough doesn't become too dense.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preparing the sauce
5. Meanwhile, prepare the pizza sauce. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for a few seconds, being careful not to burn it. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (oregano, thyme, and basil). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to thicken and intensify the flavors.
Assembling the pizza
6. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a work surface and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into a round shape, about 30 cm in diameter. Use a rolling pin, but don't overdo it with the flour, so the crust remains fluffy and airy.
7. Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C with ventilation). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
8. Place the pizza crust on a baking tray or the preheated stone. Spread a generous layer of sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a few centimeters of edge for the crust.
9. Add the desired toppings. I used green onions, turkey pastrami, mozzarella, and red bell pepper, but you can experiment with any favorite ingredient – mushrooms, olives, anchovies, or even seafood.
10. Bake the pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Serving and suggestions
11. Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve it warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a glass of red wine.
In addition to being a quick and simple pizza recipe, this fluffy crust pizza can be customized according to everyone's preferences. For example, you can replace the turkey pastrami with prosciutto or bacon, and mozzarella with goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but you need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
2. How do I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. You can reheat it in the oven or in a pan to regain its crispy texture.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.
Nutritional benefits
Pizza can be a balanced meal, rich in protein due to cheese and meat, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. By using quality ingredients, you can achieve a healthy pizza full of nutrients.
Calories
One serving of pizza (about 1/4 of a large pizza) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice for a delicious dinner, but remember to serve it in moderation!
Conclusion
This fluffy crust pizza recipe is not only simple but also a fantastic way to experiment with flavors and ingredients. I encourage each of you to put your personal touch on this recipe, so that each pizza becomes a culinary masterpiece. Don't hesitate to explore and create unique combinations that reflect your tastes and preferences. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: 600g white flour type 000, 300ml milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 50g butter, 1 egg, 1 packet of dry yeast. For the sauce: 100g crushed tomatoes, pepper, salt to taste, spices: oregano, thyme, basil to taste, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil. For the topping: use ingredients of your choice to taste, I used: 1 bunch of green onions, turkey pastrami, mozzarella, red bell pepper.
