Seasonal pizza

Seasonal Pizza: The Complete Guide to a Delicious Summer Dinner

When it comes to summer, nothing compares to a fresh pizza, bursting with seasonal flavors and ingredients. This seasonal pizza recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner when we want to enjoy the warm weather and cool down with a tasty dish. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to use the fresh vegetables available during this time of year. Let's discover together how to prepare a delicious pizza, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time (dough rising): 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (not hot!)
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:
- 200 g ham, diced
- 150 g cheese, grated
- 150 g salami, sliced
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, julienned
- Spices to taste (oregano, basil, etc.)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Add the dry yeast, salt, and pepper in the well, being careful not to mix them with the flour just yet. This helps to activate the yeast without being inhibited by the salt.

2. In another bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and eggs. Beat the mixture well until smooth. Pour this mixture into the well of flour and yeast. Add the olive oil and mix everything with a spatula or your hands until you achieve an elastic and homogeneous dough.

3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. During this time, the dough will double in volume, giving you a fluffy base for the pizza.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. Wash the bell pepper, onion, and any other vegetables you wish to use thoroughly. Cut them into strips or cubes, depending on your preferences. If you're using tougher vegetables like carrots, you can blanch them a bit before adding them to the pizza.

5. Sauté the onion lightly in a bit of olive oil until it becomes translucent. This will add extra flavor to your pizza.

6. Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C. Grease a pizza tray or baking sheet with a little olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking.

7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, making sure to get a round or rectangular shape depending on the tray you are using. Transfer the dough to the tray.

8. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the rolled-out dough, followed by an even distribution of ham, salami, tuna, bell pepper, and onion, or any other preferred ingredients. You can also use olives, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for an even richer flavor.

9. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

10. Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve warm, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill.

Useful tips:
- Use high-quality flour for a fluffier dough.
- You can replace the ham and salami with other types of meat, such as chicken or smoked meat, depending on your preferences.
- If you like spicier pizza, add a few slices of chili pepper or chili flakes to the toppings.
- For an even more intense flavor, add a little garlic or herb-infused olive oil at the end.

Nutritional benefits:
This seasonal pizza is a delicious and satisfying option. Fresh vegetables bring essential nutrients, while the homemade dough gives you total control over the ingredients. By choosing lean meats and low-fat cheeses, you can reduce the calories and saturated fats in the dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. Replace 7 g of dry yeast with 21 g of fresh yeast.

- How can I make the dough crunchier?
If you want a crunchier crust, you can use a pizza stone or a preheated metal tray in the oven to bake the pizza.

- What other recipes go well with pizza?
Pizza pairs excellently with fresh salads, bruschetta, or a light dessert like fruit sorbet to end the meal on a refreshing note.

So, prepare your ingredients, call your friends, and enjoy an evening full of flavors and good vibes with this seasonal pizza. Cook with love, and remember that every slice is a moment of joy that you can share with your loved ones! Bon appétit!