Pizza with zucchini, cheese, and ham

Zucchini, cheese, and ham pizza: a delicious and healthy recipe

Who doesn't love a freshly baked pizza, with quality ingredients, full of flavors and textures? This zucchini, cheese, and ham pizza recipe is not only a perfect choice for a quick dinner but also an excellent way to celebrate the season of fresh vegetables. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe, ideal for adapting to everyone's preferences.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of pizza is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It has evolved over time, adapting to local ingredients and people's tastes. Zucchini pizza draws inspiration from these traditions, offering a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Main ingredients:
- 500 g whole wheat flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- 325-350 ml warm water (between 30-40°C)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt, to taste
- 1 small zucchini
- tomato sauce (homemade)
- homemade ham (or high-quality)
- chili pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons pesto (optional)

Preparing the pizza dough:
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve 7 g of dry yeast in 100 ml of warm water, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

2. In a large bowl, add 500 g of whole wheat flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and gradually the rest of the warm water. It's important not to add all the water at once, as the amount needed may vary depending on the humidity of the flour.

3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.

4. Once you have a smooth dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the toppings:
1. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. In a pan, add tomatoes (fresh or canned), along with oregano and a bell pepper (preferably a sweet bell pepper for flavor). Cook over medium heat until the tomatoes soften, then blend them with a blender to obtain a smooth sauce.

2. Peel the zucchini and slice it into thin rounds. Sprinkle a little salt over the rounds and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Then, quickly sauté them in a non-stick pan without oil to soften them slightly. This step will help prevent a soggy pizza.

3. Slice the ham into thin strips and prepare the chili pepper, sliced into rounds, if you want an extra kick.

Assembling the pizza:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. On a greased surface, roll out the risen dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on the baking tray you are using. Place the dough in the pizza tray or a baking sheet, making sure to form a small border around the edges.

3. Spread the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, ensuring you cover the entire surface evenly.

4. Place the zucchini rounds on the pizza, followed by the strips of ham and chili pepper rounds. Top with pieces of cheese (or mozzarella, if you prefer) and, if desired, add pesto for extra flavor.

5. Drizzle the pizza with a little olive oil for a shiny appearance and a crispy texture.

Baking the pizza:
1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and changes color.

2. Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Serving suggestions:
Zucchini, cheese, and ham pizza is delicious served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce for a pleasant contrast of flavors. Additionally, a dry white wine or craft beer pairs perfectly with this pizza.

Tips and variations:
- You can replace zucchini with other seasonal vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers, for a similarly tasty pizza.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as olives or mushrooms.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to discover new flavor combinations.

Nutritional benefits:
This pizza is a healthy choice due to the whole wheat flour, rich in fiber, and fresh vegetables. Zucchini is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, while cheese provides essential proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use white flour, but the pizza will have a lower fiber content.

2. How can I store the pizza dough for later use?
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. You can use it within a month.

3. What is the secret to a crispy crust?
Make sure the oven is well preheated and do not open the oven door during baking.

This zucchini, cheese, and ham pizza recipe will not only provide you with a delicious meal but also the joy of cooking something special for yourself and your loved ones. I invite you to venture into the kitchen and explore the limitless possibilities of this classic dish, full of personality!