Pizza with prosciutto crudo

Pizza with Prosciutto Crudo

Pizza with prosciutto crudo is a delicious choice for those looking to combine the intense flavors of perfectly risen dough with salty and savory prosciutto crudo. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will delight your senses. From the dough kneading process to the moment you take it out of the oven with its irresistible aroma, every step is an opportunity to create something truly special.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 45 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g flour (preferably type 00 for pizza)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 50 g fresh yeast

For the topping:
- 300 g mozzarella (whole, not in brine)
- 150 g cheese
- 300 g champignon mushrooms
- Prosciutto crudo (enough to cover the entire pizza)

For the sauce:
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200 ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons oregano (to taste)

The Story Behind the Recipe
Pizza, an iconic dish, has a colorful and traditional history. From the very beginning, it was food for the common people, but over time, it has evolved into sophisticated dishes that combine quality ingredients. Prosciutto crudo, a type of dry-cured ham, adds a touch of elegance and intense flavor, transforming pizza into an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough
- Start by warming 50 ml of milk until it’s lukewarm. It’s important that the milk is not hot, as excessive heat can affect the yeast's activity.
- Add 50 g of fresh yeast and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to the lukewarm milk. Stir gently and let it rise for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, place 600 g of flour. Make a small well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the remaining 250 ml of lukewarm milk around the edges.
- Begin to knead with a spatula or your hands, adding 100 ml of olive oil gradually.
- Continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Rising the Dough
- Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 40-45 minutes. The dough should double in size.

4. Preparing the Toppings
- Meanwhile, clean the mushrooms and slice them thinly.
- Cut the mozzarella into small cubes and grate the cheese using a large grater.
- In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the sauce: tomato paste, 200 ml of water, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1-2 teaspoons of oregano. Mix well.

5. Baking the Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Once the dough has risen, spread it onto a greased baking tray, forming an even base.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake the plain dough for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the oven, spread the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, then sprinkle the sliced mushrooms and mozzarella cubes on top.
- Bake again for 20 minutes.

6. Finishing the Pizza
- Remove the tray from the oven and arrange the slices of prosciutto crudo over the pizza, covering the entire surface evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and bake the pizza for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Serving and Presentation
After the pizza has been removed from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with a few fresh basil leaves for added flavor. This pizza with prosciutto crudo is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a party.

Useful Tips
- Variations: You can add olives or chili peppers for a bolder flavor. Additionally, instead of mozzarella, you can use goat cheese for a different taste.
- Storing the Dough: If you don’t use the entire dough, you can freeze it. Before using, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Flour: For the best results, use type 00 flour, which has a higher gluten content and helps achieve a more elastic dough.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of pizza with prosciutto crudo contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and prosciutto, but when consumed in moderation, it can be a flavorful part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to rehydrate it according to the instructions on the package.
- How can I make the pizza crispier? Try baking the pizza at a higher temperature or using a pizza stone to achieve a crispier base.

Pizza with prosciutto crudo is a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a casual dinner or a party, it will surely be a hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family so they can enjoy such a delicious dish too! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 600g flour, 300ml milk, 100ml oil, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of sugar, 50g fresh yeast. For the topping: 300g mozzarella, 150g cheese, 300g champignon mushrooms, prosciutto crudo (not weighed... just enough to cover the entire tray). Sauce: 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, 200ml water, half a teaspoon of sugar, one or two teaspoons (depending on how much you like) of oregano.

 Tags:  pizza raw ham pizza dough