Pizza on the hearth

Pizza on the Hearth: A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Pizza on the hearth is more than just a simple culinary dish; it is a tradition, an experience, a story that combines flavors and textures into a symphony of tastes. This recipe will guide you through the necessary steps to create a delicious pizza, with a perfect dough and suitable toppings. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you will achieve a pizza like at home, which will impress everyone at the table.

Preparation Time and Number of Servings
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 2-3 hours (or 1 hour if you're in a hurry)
- Baking time: 10-15 minutes
- Total: 2-3 hours (depending on the rising time)
- Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 350 g flour (choose a quality flour, ideally with a higher gluten content for an elastic dough)
- 200 ml warm water (you can adjust with another 2 tablespoons, depending on the type of flour)
- 1 teaspoon of dry yeast (about a third of a 7 g packet)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (if you don't have it, you can use another type of oil, but the taste will be different)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar

*For the toppings (your choice):*
- Red onion
- Green pepper
- Corn
- Olives
- Mozzarella (prosciutto or goat cheese can be excellent alternatives)
- Tomato and pepper paste
- Chicken ham or any other preferred ingredients

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, add 350 g of flour and a pinch of salt. This mixture will form the perfect base for your pizza. In another container, dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar in 200 ml of warm water and add the dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes in a warm place. This step allows the yeast to activate, giving the dough a fluffy texture.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
Once the yeast has activated, pour the mixture over the flour. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or by hand, incorporating the flour into the liquid. Gradually add the 2 tablespoons of oil and continue kneading. Here, it is important to achieve a homogeneous, non-sticky dough. If the dough sticks to your hands, don’t hesitate to oil your palms a little.

3. Rising the Dough
Once you have obtained an elastic dough, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place. Ideally, let it sit for 2 to 3 hours. If time is limited, at least wait until the dough doubles in volume. A good idea is to place it on the radiator in the kitchen, where the heat will accelerate the rising process.

4. Shaping the Pizza
After the dough has risen, divide it into two pieces: one of 38 cm and another of 24 cm, depending on your preferences. Sprinkle a little cornmeal on the baking tray; this step will help achieve a crispy crust, similar to those baked on the hearth. Use your hands to stretch the dough in the tray, avoiding the use of a rolling pin. Italians say that for an authentic pizza, the mastery lies in shaping the dough with your hands.

5. Adding the Toppings
Spread the dough with the tomato and pepper paste, then sprinkle herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, according to your preferences. Now it’s time to add your favorite toppings: red onion, green pepper, corn, olives, mozzarella, and chicken ham. Be creative in choosing the ingredients; the pizza can be customized to everyone's taste.

6. Baking the Pizza
Preheat the oven to maximum (240 degrees) and place the pizza as close to the bottom of the oven as possible. Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, watching closely to ensure it browns nicely. It is essential not to take your eyes off it, especially if you have an oven that behaves unpredictably.

7. Serving
When the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it hot, but don’t hesitate to try it cold for a savory breakfast. You can accompany it with a yogurt and garlic sauce or a fresh salad for a perfect lunch.

Practical Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for toppings; the fresher they are, the tastier the pizza will be.
- Experiment with different types of cheese; mozzarella is classic, but goat cheese or feta can add an interesting note.
- If you want to improve your cooking skills, you can try making a pizza with fermented dough, which offers a more complex flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
Pizza can be adapted to be a balanced meal. By choosing healthy ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and low-fat cheese, you can transform this delicacy into a nutritious dish. For example, adding vegetables to the toppings not only enhances the flavor but also provides an important intake of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, but the pizza will have a different taste and texture. Whole wheat flour brings a higher nutritional value, but it may require adding more water.

2. How can I make the dough rise faster?
You can use a preheated oven at a low temperature and then turn it off to create a warm and humid environment.

3. Can the dough be frozen?
Yes, pizza dough can be frozen. Once risen, shape it into a ball and wrap it well. When you want to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

This pizza on the hearth recipe is not just a way to enjoy a delicious dish, but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories around the table. Whether you serve it with friends or family, pizza will always bring smiles. So let's get cooking and enjoy every bite!