Doughs and pastries - Homemade pizza by Dochia E. - Recipia
Homemade Pizza: The Delight You Can Easily Prepare

Who doesn't love a freshly baked pizza with a crispy crust and delicious toppings? Making a homemade pizza will not only fill you with satisfaction, but it will also give you the chance to experiment with your favorite ingredients. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to achieve a perfect pizza with a soft and elastic dough. Let's venture into the world of pizzas!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for the pizza dough:
- 300 g flour
- 200 ml warm milk
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 60 ml olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the topping:
- 4-5 tablespoons tomato sauce (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- 100 g ham, sliced
- 100 g salami, sliced
- 100 g mushrooms (canned or fresh, sliced)
- 3 boiled eggs, sliced
- 100 g corn (canned or freshly boiled)
- 150 g cheese, grated
- Olives (optional)

Dough preparation technique:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast along with the teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will make the dough fluffy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the remaining warm milk and olive oil. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the moment when you can put all your energy in, and the dough will reward your effort with a perfect texture.

4. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.

Preparing the topping:

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the topping. Each ingredient can be customized according to your preferences, but the combination of ham, salami, mushrooms, and boiled eggs is classic and delicious.

Assembling the pizza:

1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your tray. Make sure the thickness is even, about 0.5 cm.

2. Preparing the tray: Grease a tray with a little oil and transfer the rolled-out dough into the tray. You can use your fingers to adjust it to the size of the tray, creating a slightly raised edge to hold the topping.

3. Spreading the sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a little space at the edges.

4. Adding the topping: Place the slices of ham, salami, mushrooms, boiled eggs, and corn on the tomato sauce. Make sure the topping is evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese on top to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

Baking the pizza:

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C. It is important for the pizza to be baked in a well-heated oven to achieve a perfect crust.

2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and has started to brown, and the edges of the dough are golden. Check the pizza after 20 minutes to avoid burning.

Serving and variations:

After the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can sprinkle a little dried oregano or fresh basil on top for extra flavor. Homemade pizza is perfect served alongside a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink.

Interesting variations:
- Replace ham and salami with chicken or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Add olives or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to customize the flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

Homemade pizza can be a balanced meal, especially if you use fresh ingredients. Whole wheat flour provides fiber, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Cheese offers calcium, and eggs are a good source of protein.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 15 g of fresh yeast with about 5 g of dry yeast. Activating it is similar, but you will need to let it sit a little longer.

2. How long can pizza be stored?
Homemade pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. How can I make pizza healthier?
Use whole grain flour, reduce the amount of cheese, or choose low-fat options. Add plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meat.

So don't hesitate to gather your friends and family and get cooking! Homemade pizza is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings people together. With every slice, you will feel the warmth and comfort of a meal prepared with love. Enjoy your meal!
Doughs and pastries - Homemade pizza by Dochia E. - Recipia

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