House Pizza

Homemade Pizza - Perfect Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Who doesn't love a steaming slice of pizza, with melted cheese, delicious toppings, and a fluffy crust? Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, being not just a comforting meal, but also a form of culinary art. This homemade pizza recipe is easy to make and will bring the aroma and atmosphere of a pizzeria right into the comfort of your home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 14-15 tablespoons of flour (approximately 500 g)
- 1/2 packet of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 250-300 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste

For the sauce:
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 100 ml water
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano

For the toppings:
- 200 g ham, diced
- 200 g salami, sliced
- 1/2 chicken breast, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced
- Black olives, to taste
- 200 g grated cheese

Preparing the dough

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by measuring all the ingredients. It's important to have everything at hand to enjoy the cooking process.

2. Mix the flour and salt: In a large bowl, place the flour and add a pinch of salt. Flour is the base ingredient that will give structure to the dough, so choose a good quality one.

3. Dissolve the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 100 ml of warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active!

4. Form the dough: Add the yeast mixture over the flour and start to incorporate the water gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue to add water until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough.

5. Add the oil and knead: Once the dough is homogeneous, add the olive oil and knead well for about 10 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth.

6. Let it rise: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the sauce

1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the tomato paste with 100 ml of warm water. Add salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to taste. This will be your savory sauce that will add flavor to the pizza.

Preparing the toppings

1. Prepare the ingredients: Cut the ham and salami into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Also, cut the chicken breast into small cubes and the bell pepper into slices. Make sure the mushrooms are cleaned and sliced.

Assembling the pizza

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C with ventilation). It's important for the temperature to be high to achieve a crispy crust.

2. Divide the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts (if you want to make two pizzas). Start with one of the parts.

3. Roll out the dough: On a surface sprinkled with flour, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Make sure it’s not too thin, otherwise the pizza will burn.

4. Transfer to the tray: Place the rolled-out dough in the tray lined with baking paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.

5. Add the sauce: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-2 cm edge at the pizza's border.

6. Add the toppings: Evenly distribute the cubes of ham, salami, and chicken breast. Add the mushrooms, bell pepper slices, and olives. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

Baking

1. Bake the pizza: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the pizza bake for about 30 minutes. Check from time to time to ensure the crust turns golden and the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.

2. Check if it's done: When the pizza is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. This will help set the toppings.

Serving

Serve the pizza hot, cut into slices. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor. This pizza is perfect for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a party.

Variations and suggestions

- Vary the toppings: You can replace the chicken breast with vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, or add anchovies and chili for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetarian pizza: Use only vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian pizza.
- Sweet pizza: Try a dessert pizza variant using Nutella, strawberries, and bananas.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of pizza made according to this recipe has approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the toppings. This can be a healthier option compared to store-bought pizza, as you can control the ingredients and quantities. Whole wheat flour and vegetables provide fiber, while cheese is a good source of calcium.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why doesn't my dough rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and the water is not too hot. A warm place is ideal for rising.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

3. How can I store the pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

A personal note

I fondly remember the evenings spent with family, making pizza together. Everyone added their favorite ingredients, and the result was always delicious. I encourage you to involve your family in the cooking process. It's a wonderful way to spend time together and create unforgettable memories!

Now, you are ready to start cooking! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result - a delicious pizza made with love. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: DOUGH: 14-15 tablespoons flour salt half a packet of fresh yeast 250-300 ml warm water 1 tablespoon oil SAUCE: 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste 100 ml water salt pepper basil oregano WE ALSO NEED 200g ham 200g salami half a chicken breast one red bell pepper black olives mushrooms 200g cheese

 Tags:  pizza homemade pizza