Tuna and ham pizza

Tuna and Ham Pizza – A Delight Easy to Prepare

Who doesn't love a delicious pizza with fresh and aromatic ingredients? Tuna and ham pizza is a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe combines the intense flavors of tuna and ham with the Mediterranean aroma of spices, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 2 pizzas (28 cm diameter)

Ingredients

For the pizza dough (for 2 pizzas):

- 300 g flour (choose type 00 flour for better results)
- 50 ml lukewarm water (almost warm, not hot)
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 20 ml olive oil (for a more intense flavor)
- 20 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- A pinch of salt

For the toppings:

- 1 can of tuna in oil (185 g, drained)
- 250 g pressed ham, cut into strips
- 100 g sliced olives (preferably green olives for a taste contrast)
- 4 tablespoons tomato sauce (you can use homemade tomato sauce for extra flavor)
- 1 large onion, sliced thin
- 300 g grated mozzarella (opt for fresh mozzarella for better texture)
- Fresh oregano and basil (or dried, according to preference)

A Bit of History

Pizza is a recipe with deep roots in culinary history, with origins dating back centuries. Over time, pizza has evolved and diversified, becoming a symbol of international cuisine. This tuna and ham variant is a modern reinterpretation, perfect for those who want to experience diverse flavors.

Step by Step: Preparing Tuna and Ham Pizza

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast to the lukewarm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy pizza.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, olive oil, and cubed margarine. Mix the dry ingredients well with the wet ones.

3. Kneading the Dough: Pour the activated yeast over the flour mixture. Use your hands to knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it.

4. Letting it Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Toppings

5. Preparing the Ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings. Slice the onion thinly and cut the ham into strips. Drain the tuna from the oil and measure the olives.

6. Mixing the Tomato Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with oregano and basil. This mixture will add an intense flavor to your pizza.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

7. Dividing the Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two and shape two discs. Use a rolling pin or simply your hands to stretch each disc on a floured surface.

8. Placing in Pans: Place each disc of dough in the pizza pans (or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper).

9. Adding the Toppings: Evenly spread the tomato sauce mixture on each pizza. Add the drained tuna, followed by the onion slices and ham strips. Top with grated mozzarella and finish with the olives.

Step 4: Baking

10. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (medium heat).

11. Baking the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the mozzarella melts beautifully.

Step 5: Serving

12. Finalizing: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It can be sliced and served alongside a fresh green salad or with a garlic yogurt dip. This will add a refreshing contrast.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Choose high-quality flour to achieve a perfect crust. Type 00 flour is ideal for pizza.
- Yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh to avoid a dense dough.
- Mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella, drain the liquid well before using it to prevent a soggy pizza.
- Variations: You can experiment with different toppings – mushrooms, peppers, anchovies, or even pineapple for a sweet-savory version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may end up with a denser crust. You can combine whole wheat flour with white flour for a more balanced result.

2. How can I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza stores well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I use fresh tuna?
Of course! Fresh tuna can be a delicious choice. Make sure it is well seasoned and cooked before adding it to the pizza.

Conclusion

Tuna and ham pizza is not just a delicious dish but also a fantastic way to impress your family and friends. With a simple recipe and easily found ingredients, you can create a dish that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Pizza dough (for 2 pizzas with a diameter of 28 cm): 300 g flour, 50 ml warm water, 20 g yeast, 20 ml oil, 20 g margarine, a pinch of salt. Pizza ingredients: one can of tuna in oil (185 g), 250 g pressed ham, 100 g sliced olives, 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce, one large onion, 300 g mozzarella, oregano, basil.