Bolognese Pizza
Bolognese Pizza - A Home Delicacy
Who doesn't love a delicious pizza with a fluffy crust and a rich Bolognese meat sauce? This recipe is perfect for a family evening or a gathering with friends. Moreover, it's a wonderful opportunity to let yourself be carried away by a wave of flavors and transform your kitchen into a storybook place. Let's discover together how to make an unforgettable Bolognese pizza!
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
The History of Bolognese Pizza
Pizza is a food that has won the hearts of people all around the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Italy, and the combination of ingredients that makes up Bolognese pizza is a celebration of culinary diversity. This recipe combines a fluffy crust with a rich and savory sauce inspired by Bolognese tradition, where minced meat and vegetables are slowly cooked to bring out all the flavors.
Ingredients for the Crust
- 500 g flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 25 ml olive oil
- 300 ml warm water
Ingredients for the Bolognese Sauce
- 400 g minced meat (beef or pork, your choice)
- 150 g pressed ham
- 200 g porcini or other mushrooms
- 100 ml milk
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- ½ small celery
- 3 fresh tomatoes
- 300 ml tomato juice
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg, oregano, basil, thyme (to taste)
Ingredients for Assembly
- Univer ketchup (for an unmistakable taste)
- 200 g grated cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for decoration)
Preparing the Dough
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, adding the salt. It is important to use good quality flour to achieve a fluffy dough.
2. Activate the yeast: Dissolve the yeast in a little warm water, add the sugar, and mix well until homogeneous. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Knead the dough: Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and start kneading, gradually adding warm water. The goal is to obtain an elastic and fluffy dough.
4. Add the oil: Once the dough begins to take shape, add the olive oil and continue kneading until everything is well incorporated.
5. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.
6. Shape the dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape them into round balls and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
Preparing the Bolognese Sauce
1. Sauté the vegetables: In a pot, add a little olive oil and sauté the diced onion. Let it become transparent, then add the grated garlic, chopped bell pepper, grated carrot, and celery, along with the sliced pressed ham.
2. Add the mushrooms: Continue to sauté for 5-8 minutes until all the vegetables soften, then add the diced mushrooms.
3. Add the meat: Incorporate the minced meat, breaking it up with a fork into small pieces.
4. Simmer with milk: Add the milk and let everything simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces.
5. Add the tomatoes: Add the peeled diced tomatoes, tomato juice, and spices (salt, pepper, nutmeg, oregano, basil, thyme). Mix well.
6. Cook the sauce: Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low heat until the meat is well cooked and the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic.
Assembling the Pizza
1. Roll out the dough: When the dough has risen and the sauce is ready, dust the countertop with flour and roll each piece of dough into a sheet of appropriate thickness. Place each sheet in a pizza tray.
2. Add ketchup: Spread the entire surface with Univer ketchup, ensuring that every corner is covered for an intense flavor.
3. Add the Bolognese sauce: Evenly distribute the Bolognese sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle cheese: Grate the cheese and generously sprinkle it over the sauce.
5. Bake the pizza: Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.
Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Decorate with fresh basil leaves and serve with Univer ketchup to taste. This pizza is perfect alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink.
Practical Tips
- Variations of the sauce: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a more colorful Bolognese sauce.
- Add-ins: If you want a spicy note, add a few slices of chili pepper to the sauce.
- Dough care: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.
- Crispier pizza: You can bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings for a crunchier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why use sifted flour? Sifted flour is finer and helps achieve a more uniform and fluffier dough.
- Can I use chicken meat? Of course! You can adapt the recipe using minced chicken for a lighter version.
- What drinks pair well with pizza? A cold beer or a light red wine would perfectly complement the intense flavors of Bolognese pizza.
Nutritional Benefits
This Bolognese pizza is not only delicious but also nutritious. The minced meat provides valuable protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins. Whole grain flour, if you choose to use it, is a good source of fiber, beneficial for digestion.
Enjoy this Bolognese pizza as a true culinary masterpiece. Each bite will bring you closer to a moment of happiness, and your friends and family will thank you for a memorable dinner! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Dough: -500 g flour -1 tablespoon sugar -20 g yeast -1 teaspoon salt -25 ml oil -300 ml warm water Bolognese sauce: -400 g minced meat -150 g pressed ham -200 g porcini or other mushrooms -100 ml milk -1 onion -1 carrot -1/2 small celery -3 fresh tomatoes -300 ml tomato juice -1 bell pepper -2 garlic cloves -olive oil -salt, pepper, nutmeg, oregano, basil, thyme We also need: -Univer ketchup -200 g cheese -fresh basil leaves
