Pizza with simple dough

Pizza with Simple Dough

Who doesn’t love a slice of freshly baked pizza? This simple dough pizza recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick, tasty, and customizable dish. Making pizza at home will not only delight your taste buds but also give you the opportunity to express your culinary creativity in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 cup of water (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 cup of oil (approximately 240 ml, you can use sunflower or olive oil for a more refined taste)
- 20 tablespoons of flour (approximately 250 g; you can use white or whole wheat flour, depending on your preference)
- Salt, to taste
- Spices: dried basil, oregano, or any other favorite aromatic spice

For the topping:
- Ketchup or tomato sauce (approximately 100 g)
- Grated cheese (mozzarella, feta, or cottage cheese, according to preference)
- Eggs (2-3, depending on the size of the pizza)
- Toppings of your choice: vegetables (peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives), meat (ham, salami, chicken), or anything else you like

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the water, oil, and salt. Mix gently to combine the ingredients. Gradually add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It’s important not to add all the flour at once to control the dough's consistency. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid making it too tough.

2. Once the dough is formed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the topping ingredients. Slice the vegetables and meat thinly. You can use any ingredients you have on hand. This is the beauty of pizza! If you have leftovers from a previous meal, don’t hesitate to use them – pizza is perfect for recycling leftovers.

4. Preheat the oven: While preparing the ingredients, make sure the oven is preheated to 220 degrees Celsius. A high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy crust.

5. Shaping the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and cut off a piece (about one-third, for a medium-sized pizza). On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin or your hands until it reaches the desired size. Make sure the dough is even and not too thick.

6. Assembling the pizza: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking tray greased with a little oil or lined with baking paper. Spread ketchup or tomato sauce over the dough, smoothing it out with a spatula. This will be the flavorful base of your pizza.

7. Add the toppings: Sprinkle the vegetables, meat, and grated cheese on top of the sauce. Be generous with the cheese, as it will melt and create a delicious crust.

8. Preparing the eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a little salt and add the grated cheese. The egg mixture will add a creamy note and rich flavor to your pizza. Pour this mixture over the pizza, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

9. Baking the pizza: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and starts to brown. You can check the pizza after 15 minutes to ensure it is baking evenly. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, you can cover the pizza with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

10. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This will help the cheese set and make cutting easier. You can serve the pizza warm, alongside a fresh salad or a glass of tomato juice.

Practical Tips
- For a more flavorful dough, you can add dried herbs (oregano, basil) directly into the dough.
- If you prefer a crispier pizza, you can bake the dough without toppings for 5-7 minutes before adding the sauce and ingredients.
- Instead of ketchup, you can use pizza sauce, pesto, or even yogurt sauce for a fresher option.

Possible Variations
- Instead of cheese, you can experiment with tofu or vegan cheese for a vegetarian option.
- You can add fruits, such as pineapple or pears, to create an interesting sweet-salty pizza.
- Instead of eggs, you can use a vegan alternative, such as avocado puree or whipped tofu.

Nutritional Benefits
This simple dough pizza is a versatile option that allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy a healthy meal. By using fresh vegetables and lean proteins, you can create a pizza rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, making it at home allows you to avoid additives and preservatives found in commercial products.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked pizza. Remove wet toppings to avoid ice crystals. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time.

2. What type of flour is best for pizza?
Type 00 flour is the best for pizza, but regular flour works excellently. Whole wheat flour adds a healthier note, but it may make the dough denser.

3. How can I make the pizza easier to cut?
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes after baking. Use a pizza cutter or a large sharp knife to avoid crumbling the crust.

Regardless of the occasion, this simple dough pizza recipe is a perfect choice for a relaxing evening at home, a party with friends, or simply a delicious meal. Invite your family and friends to participate in making the pizza, bringing their favorite ingredients; this way, you will create pleasant memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 cup of water, 1 cup of oil, 20 tablespoons of flour. Seasoning: basil, a little olive oil, and salt. Topping: ingredients on hand.