Rustic pizza

Rustic Pizza – A Delicacy Prepared with Love

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Welcome to the fascinating world of cooking! Today we will explore together the recipe for a rustic pizza, a perfect choice for a weekend evening or a gathering with friends. Rustic pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized according to everyone's preferences, filled with fresh ingredients and delicious flavors.

The history of pizza takes us back in time, when, in various corners of the world, people began to combine bread with various toppings. This rustic pizza, with a well-proofed dough and generous toppings, blends tradition with innovation, making it ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 240 ml warm water
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 480 g flour (preferably type 00 for a fine texture)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast

For the toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100 g salami (choose a high-quality salami for an intense flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (you can also use homemade tomato sauce for added flavor)
- 100 g country ham
- 75 g sliced olives (preferably green or black olives, depending on preferences)
- 150 g cheese (choose a cheese with a high-fat content for perfect melting)
- 1 raw egg
- 1 boiled egg (sliced)
- 7-8 cherry tomatoes (for a sweet and sour taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (fresh offers a more intense aroma)
- a pinch of salt

For greasing the tray:
- oil
- flour

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough: Start by placing the dough ingredients in the bread machine in the following order: warm water, olive oil, salt, flour, and dry yeast. This order is essential to allow the yeast to activate properly. Select the pizza dough program and let the machine work its magic.

2. Rising: Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bowl and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as the dough will become fluffy and airy.

3. Preparing the tray: While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza tray. Grease it with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Choose a tray of appropriate size so that the pizza is not too thick or too thin.

4. Shaping the pizza: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Using your fingertips, stretch the dough across the entire surface of the tray, being careful to keep a small edge at the outside to form the pizza crust.

5. Adding the toppings: Brush the dough with olive oil and then evenly spread the tomato paste over the entire surface. Sprinkle grated cheese and oregano, which will add a wonderful aroma. Arrange the slices of salami, ham, olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and the sliced boiled egg.

6. Finalizing: In a small bowl, beat the raw egg with a pinch of salt and pour it evenly over the pizza to create a golden and delicious crust.

7. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C so that it is ready to bake the pizza.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. Remember to check the pizza every 5 minutes to avoid burning.

9. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve warm, ideally alongside a fresh salad or a glass of white wine.

Useful tips:
- Experiment with toppings! You can add fresh vegetables like peppers, onions, or mushrooms according to preferences.
- If you want a spicier pizza, add some slices of hot pepper or chili flakes to the toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them the next day for a delicious lunch.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, but keep in mind that the dough will be denser and will require more water.

2. How can I make the pizza crispier?
Make sure the oven is well preheated and that the pizza is baked at a high temperature.

3. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, the pizza can be frozen before baking. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a few extra minutes of baking.

This rustic pizza recipe is not only delicious but also a perfect opportunity to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting with your favorite ingredients and creating unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy every slice and savor the flavors that will delight your senses!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 240 ml water, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 480 g flour, 1 teaspoon dry yeast. For the topping: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 100 g salami, 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste, 100 g country-style ham, 75 g sliced olives, 150 g cheese, 1 raw egg, 1 boiled egg, 7-8 cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon oregano, a pinch of salt. For greasing the pan: oil and flour.