Pizza with anchovies and caramelized onions

To create a delicious and flavorful pizza, we start by preparing the starter. In a small bowl, we combine fresh yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and warm water. We mix gently and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the starter becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will be fundamental for achieving a fluffy and airy dough. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, we sift the flour to aerate it. We make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the starter, adding olive oil and warm milk. We begin to knead the dough, gradually adding two tablespoons of milk if the texture seems too stiff. We knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Once we have the perfect dough, we place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. In the meantime, we prepare the toppings. For the caramelized onions, we slice two red onions into thin rings. We sauté them in a pan with oil over medium heat. When the onions become translucent, we add two tablespoons of sugar, preferably brown sugar, and three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. We continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces and the onions caramelize, achieving a sweet texture and deep flavor.

We preheat the oven to 200°C (425°F) and return to the dough. After it has risen, we knead it a little to release the air and roll it out into a 31 cm round baking tray, greased with oil. It is important to ensure that the dough is evenly spread so that the pizza bakes evenly. On the pizza base, we spread a tomato sauce made from canned chopped tomatoes that have been sautéed with garlic, onion, and herbs such as oregano, thyme, and dried basil. Then, we add the layer of caramelized onions, followed by sliced mozzarella.

For an extra burst of flavor, we can add fresh basil leaves, capers, and anchovy fillets. There is also room for creativity; you can include olives or any other toppings you prefer. The pizza bakes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the dough are golden and the cheese melts beautifully. Once baked, we remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy each slice of this flavorful pizza, full of delicious textures and flavors!