Shepherd's pizza
Smoked meat and cheese pizza is a true culinary feast, combining tradition with an authentic taste, rich in flavors. In this recipe, we will explore the necessary steps to achieve a perfect dough, a delicious sauce, and a savory topping that will transform a simple meal into a culinary celebration. I invite you to join this gastronomic adventure and discover the secrets of a dish that will delight your senses and bring joy to your table.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 3 large pizzas
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g white flour (use high-quality flour for a more elastic dough)
- 10 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt (helps strengthen the dough structure)
- 300 ml warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (adds a subtle flavor and helps with kneading)
For the topping:
- 150 g smoked and spicy sheep sausages (find them at the butcher for an intense flavor)
- 150 g smoked pork tenderloin (ideally sliced thin)
- 150 g cheese (adds a salty and creamy taste)
- 1 pickled bell pepper (adds a crunchy note)
For the sauce:
- 2 cups tomato juice (preferably freshly made or of high quality)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for a sweet and sour taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (for a Mediterranean aroma)
- 2 garlic cloves (sliced thin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground chili pepper (optional, for those who love spicy)
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, sift the flour to remove any impurities and aerate it.
2. Add the dry yeast and mix well. It is important that the yeast is evenly distributed to ferment the dough uniformly.
3. Gradually start adding the warm water, mixing with a spatula until the mixture becomes a homogeneous dough.
4. Add the salt and continue kneading by hand. Salt is essential, but it should not be added directly to the yeast to avoid affecting its activity.
5. Add the olive oil and continue kneading for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky. If necessary, gradually add more flour to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Form a ball from the dough, place it in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Preparing the sauce
1. In a saucepan, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, sugar, salt, basil, olive oil, and sliced garlic cloves.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. After 15 minutes, add the ground chili pepper if you want a sauce with a bit of kick. Let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes, then turn it off.
Step 3: Assembling the pizza
1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface and divide it into 3 equal balls.
2. Take each ball and roll it out with a rolling pin, forming a round disc with the desired thickness (usually between 0.5 and 1 cm).
3. Place the pizza bases in special pizza trays, brushed with a little olive oil.
4. Spread each base with the prepared sauce, reserving some sauce to use later.
5. Now, add mozzarella (if you have it), sheep sausage, pork tenderloin, and strips of pickled bell pepper. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!
6. Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake the pizza for 5 minutes. This will help the base become slightly crispy before adding the toppings.
7. Remove the tray from the oven, add mozzarella (if not added earlier) and the remaining toppings, then return the pizza to the oven for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut it into slices and enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or a cold beer. The pizza can be served with the remaining sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Chef's tip
To achieve an even crispier crust, you can bake the base at a higher temperature for the first few minutes, then reduce the oven temperature. Also, experiment with various toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or anchovies to create a customized pizza perfect for your tastes.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is olive oil used in the dough?
Olive oil helps achieve a finer texture and adds a pleasant flavor. It also helps keep the dough moist.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the dough may be denser. Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
3. How can I store the pizza?
The pizza can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispness.
Nutritional benefits
This pizza is not only delicious but also nutritious. The smoked meat provides quality protein, while the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. The cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, and the olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Possible variations
- Vegetarian pizza: Replace the meat with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and olives.
- White pizza: Use a sauce based on sour cream and garlic, with cheese and spinach toppings.
In conclusion, smoked meat and cheese pizza is a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether served on a quiet evening at home or at a party with friends, it is sure to be a hit! So gather your ingredients and embark with enthusiasm on the cooking adventure. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g white flour, 10 g dry yeast, teaspoon salt, 300 ml warm water, 3-4 tablespoons olive oil. For the topping: smoked and spicy sheep sausage, smoked pork tenderloin, cheese from burduf, pickled bell pepper. For the sauce: 2 cups tomato juice, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon sugar, teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon basil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground chili pepper.
