Pizza

Homemade Pizza: A Delicious Treat Made with Love

Who doesn't love a slice of savory, crispy pizza bursting with flavor? This homemade pizza recipe is not only simple but also charming, perfect for a Sunday spent with family and friends. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked dough and colorful toppings melting on top. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients Needed

- 500 g all-purpose flour (choose a quality flour for better dough)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 250 ml warm water (about 37-40 °C, not hot!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 100 ml olive oil (extra virgin is preferred, but any type works)
- 250 g cheese (or mozzarella for a more elastic effect)
- 150 g cooked ham (or any preferred meat)
- 150 g salami (spicy salami can add an interesting kick)
- 200 g pitted olives (black or green, according to preference)
- 1 medium tomato (fresh and juicy)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green for vibrant colors)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (a classic pizza seasoning)
- 4 tablespoons ketchup (or tomato sauce for a more flavorful base)

The Story Behind the Recipe

Pizza has a fascinating history, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This simple recipe reflects the desire to bring together fresh ingredients and create a delicious meal to be enjoyed with loved ones. Cooking is not just about food; it’s about the moments shared together, and pizza is a dish that inspires conviviality.

Preparation Steps

1. Making the Dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This helps aerate the flour and achieve a finer dough texture. In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with salt and sugar. This mixture will activate the yeast, so make sure it’s well combined. Add the yeast mixture to the flour.

2. Kneading the Dough: Pour the warm water and olive oil over the flour. Begin mixing with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine. Then, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but don’t overdo it.

3. Resting the Dough: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

4. Preparing the Toppings: While the dough is rising, prepare the toppings. Pit the olives and slice the ham and salami into strips, the tomato and bell pepper into thin slices, and grate the cheese. You can use plenty of cheese for a richer pizza.

5. Assembling the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 200 °C (moderate heat). Place a sheet of parchment paper on a pizza tray. Transfer the dough to the tray and stretch it out with your fingers, leaving thicker edges to form the crust. Spread ketchup over the dough, sprinkle a pinch of oregano, and add a generous layer of cheese. Continue with the ham, salami, bell pepper, olives, and tomatoes, and finally, sprinkle a bit more cheese and oregano on top.

6. Baking the Pizza: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and begins to bubble.

7. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut it into slices and serve warm, alongside ketchup or tomato sauce, as preferred. It’s a delight!

Practical Tips

- Checking the Yeast: To ensure the yeast is active, you can perform a test: add the yeast to a bowl with warm water and a pinch of sugar. If it starts to foam after 10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use.
- Ingredient Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese (such as feta or goat cheese), or add toppings like vegetables, mushrooms, or pineapple to create a personalized pizza.
- Ideal Dough: If you prefer a thinner crust, you can stretch the dough more and bake it at a higher temperature for a crispier crust. You can also try adding herbs to the dough for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

A serving of pizza has approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the chosen toppings. Pizza can be a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, but it’s important to consume it in moderation, especially if made with richer ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What type of flour is best for pizza? Type 00 flour is ideal for pizza, but you can also use regular all-purpose flour.
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. Mix it directly with the flour without activating it in water.
- How can I store pizza for the next day? Keep the slices in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or fruit juice. Additionally, a craft beer can complement the rich flavors of the toppings.

So, embark on this culinary adventure and treat your loved ones to this delicious pizza! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and most importantly, cooked with love. Enjoy!