Devil's pizza
Diavola Pizza – A Tasty Adventure in the World of Pizza
Who doesn’t love a pizza night? It’s a culinary experience that brings family and friends together, turning each slice into a delicious story. Diavola Pizza, with its intense and spicy flavors, is a perfect choice for those moments when you want to indulge in something truly special.
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients for the Pizza Dough
- 500 grams of flour (00 flour is ideal for pizza, but any bread flour will work)
- 25 grams of fresh yeast (or 7 grams of dry yeast)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (do not add salt in the first step, as it can affect the yeast)
Ingredients for the Pizza Topping
- Tomato sauce (you can use sauce from fresh or canned tomatoes, but I recommend making it from 2 peeled tomatoes blended with oregano, basil, and a teaspoon of olive oil)
- 125 grams of grated mozzarella
- 50 grams of grated cheese
- 1 slice of ham (preferably raw-smoked)
- 50 grams of dry raw sausage (like chorizo, sliced)
- Slices of hot pepper (to taste)
- Sliced champignon mushrooms
The History and Tradition of Pizza
Diavola Pizza has its origins in culinary traditions that emphasize spicy flavors and quality ingredients. This pizza combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the saltiness of meats, and the hot pepper gives it a special taste, making it a favorite for those who love dishes with a bit of 'fire'. It’s more than just a pizza; it’s a story about passion, flavor, and sharing beautiful moments.
Making the Dough
1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 25 grams of fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. Making the Dough: In a large bowl, place 500 grams of flour and add the yeast mixture. Start kneading, gradually adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the dough becomes homogeneous, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.
3. Dough Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in volume.
4. The Refrigerator, the Secret to Perfect Dough: After rising, take the dough and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for developing perfect flavors and texture.
Shaping the Pizza Base
1. Preparing the Tray: Preheat the oven to 230 degrees Celsius. If you have a perforated tray, it’s ideal as it helps achieve a crispy crust.
2. Shaping the Base: On a lightly floured surface, take a portion of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin. I recommend a thin base, but with a slightly thicker border to give it a rustic look. Make sure the dough is not too thick so it bakes evenly.
3. Letting it 'Breathe': Place the base in the tray and let it breathe at room temperature for 10 minutes. This step allows the gluten to relax, which helps with even baking.
Preparing the Pizza Topping
1. The Tomato Sauce: If you haven't used canned sauce, now is the time to prepare the sauce from fresh tomatoes. Blend the peeled tomatoes with oregano and basil, then add a teaspoon of olive oil for extra flavor.
2. Assembling the Pizza: Brush the base with tomato sauce, then add the grated mozzarella, cheese, slices of ham, sausage rounds, and mushrooms. Don’t forget the slices of hot pepper for that unmistakable spicy taste. Sprinkle oregano on top for added flavor.
Baking the Pizza
1. Loading into the Oven: Place the tray on the bottom rack of the preheated oven. It’s essential to have the oven well heated; otherwise, the pizza won’t bake evenly and may burn on the bottom.
2. Baking Time: Let the pizza bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Monitor the baking closely, as times may vary depending on the type of oven.
Serving and Suggestions
Once the pizza is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it and serve it warm. You can add a drizzle of olive oil with hot pepper on top for an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the pizza will have a denser texture. You can mix white flour with whole wheat flour for a more complex flavor.
2. What’s the secret to a crispy crust? Preheating the oven is essential, as is using a perforated tray. Additionally, a well-risen and refrigerated dough contributes to a better crust.
3. How can I vary the recipe? You can add various toppings, such as olives, peppers, onions, or even pineapple for a sweeter version. Be creative!
Nutritional Benefits
Diavola Pizza, despite its reputation as 'fast food', can be a healthy dish, especially if you use quality ingredients. Mozzarella provides calcium, and vegetables add fiber and vitamins. Plus, olive oil is rich in healthy fats beneficial for the heart.
So, invite your friends, make a Diavola pizza together, and enjoy an evening full of flavor and delicious memories! This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring joy around the table. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: for the dough: 500 grams of flour, 25 grams of yeast with warm water and sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt. For the filling: tomato sauce (I made it from 2 peeled tomatoes blended with oregano and basil and a teaspoon of olive oil), a ball of mozzarella cheese weighing 125 grams grated, a bit of grated cheese, a slice of ham cut into thin slices, a slice of smoked raw ham, a few slices (don’t be stingy) of raw dried sausage like chorizo, a few slices of hot pepper, champignon mushrooms.
Tags: pizza devil mozzarella ham chorizo hot pepper