Pizza
Homemade pizza with delicious filling and aromatic sauce
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Homemade pizza is more than just a dish; it is an experience that brings family and friends together around the table. This recipe is perfect for a relaxing evening at home or to impress guests at a party. With its fluffy dough and rich filling, our pizza promises to be a true feast for the taste buds.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 100 ml lukewarm water (36-38°C)
- About 300 g flour (white or mixed, according to preference)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Filling:
- 200 g cottage cheese (or mozzarella cheese for a creamier taste)
- 200 g bacon, diced
- 200 g salami, sliced
- 200 g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 200 g homemade smoked ham, diced
- 100 g olives, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 4 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 sprigs of parsley, finely chopped
- Margarine (for greasing the pan)
A brief history of pizza
Pizza, as we know it today, has evolved over the centuries. Its origins can be traced back to Italy, where, starting in the 18th century, it began to be made in various forms. Over time, pizza crossed borders and was adapted based on the ingredients available in different cultures. Today, pizza is loved worldwide, with countless variations reflecting the diversity of ingredients and culinary styles.
Preparing the dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl (about 3 liters), crumble the cube of yeast and add 50 ml of lukewarm water along with 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix the ingredients well until a paste forms and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast doubles in volume.
2. Forming the dough: After the yeast has risen, add the remaining lukewarm water (about 50 ml) and the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing with a spoon or directly with your hands until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface. If the dough is too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too hard.
4. Letting it rise: Form a ball from the dough and grease it with a little olive oil. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place, protected from drafts, for about 1 hour, or until it triples in volume.
Preparing the filling
5. Mixing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with salt, pepper, sugar, and milk. This sauce will add an intense flavor to your pizza and help bind the ingredients.
6. Preparing the ingredients: Cut the bacon, salami, pork tenderloin, and smoked ham into small pieces. Grate the cheese and prepare the olives into slices. Make sure all ingredients are at hand to make your work easier.
Assembling the pizza
7. Stretching the dough: After the dough has risen, grease a baking tray with margarine. Use a rolling pin or simply your hands to stretch the dough, ensuring that you stretch it evenly but not too thin. Leaving the dough thicker will make the pizza fluffier.
8. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180-200°C.
9. Applying the sauce: After you have stretched the dough in the tray, evenly spread the tomato sauce over it.
10. Adding the ingredients: Sprinkle the cheese on top, then add the bacon, salami, pork tenderloin, smoked ham, and olives. These ingredients will create a savory combination.
11. Baking the pizza: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 20 minutes. After this time, take the pizza out and brush it with the beaten egg mixed with parsley, and if you like, you can add a little grated cheese on top.
12. Finishing the baking: Put the tray back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the crust becomes golden and crispy.
Serving and combinations
Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut it into slices. I recommend serving it warm, alongside ketchup or spicy sauces. This will add an extra flavor and perfectly complement the rich taste of the pizza.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta for a different taste.
2. How can I make pizza healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour, and instead of bacon and salami, you can opt for fresh vegetables or leaner proteins like chicken or turkey.
3. What drinks go well with pizza?
A cold beer or a dry red wine are excellent choices to accompany pizza. Also, fresh tomato juice or a fruit cocktail can be refreshing options.
Tips for a perfect result
- Make sure the water for activating the yeast is not too hot, otherwise you will kill the yeast.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting it, so the filling stabilizes and doesn't spill.
- Use a pizza stone or a preheated tray to achieve a crispier crust.
Possible variations
- Vegetarian pizza: Replace all the meat with vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Seafood pizza: Add shrimp or smoked fish for a delicious seafood pizza variant.
- Pineapple pizza: Add pineapple cubes for a sweet-salty combination that has won many hearts.
This homemade pizza recipe is not only simple but also fun to prepare. Whether you make it for yourself, for family, or for friends, the result will always be the same: a delicious dish that brings joy and cheer in every bite. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough: 1 cube of yeast (pakmaya) 3 tbsp oil 100 ml warm water flour approx. 300 g Filling: bacon, torpedo salami, pork tenderloin, homemade smoked ham, cottage cheese (approx. 200 g of each), 100 g olives, 1 egg, 4 tbsp tomato paste, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3 tbsp milk, 2-3 sprigs of parsley margarine for greasing the tray
