Pizza a la Camelia (2 types)

Pizza a la Camelia – An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

Pizza a la Camelia is not just a recipe, but an invitation to explore the flavors and textures that transform an ordinary evening into a special occasion. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, offering two delicious variations: classic pizza with rich fillings and a fish pizza that will surprise with its delicacy. Whether you serve it at a party or as a family dinner, Pizza a la Camelia will surely impress.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the dough
- 1 kg wheat flour
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 140 ml olive oil
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 3 tablespoons powdered milk
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Warm water, as needed for kneading

For the tomato sauce
- 2-3 flavorful tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons bell pepper, finely chopped

For the fish pizza sauce
- 300 g zucchini, sliced and fried
- 150 g bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 tablespoons flour
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 200-300 ml water
- Salt, pepper, allspice, to taste
- Oregano, to taste

Pizza fillings
- Sliced mushrooms
- Olives
- Slices of ham
- Onion, sliced
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Large tomatoes, sliced
- Grated mozzarella (300-400 g for a 38 cm tray)
- 1 chili pepper (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast and a few tablespoons of warm water. Mix and let it activate for 10 minutes until foam forms on the surface.
2. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, powdered milk, and oregano. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast and olive oil. Start kneading, gradually adding warm water until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Tomato Sauce
1. Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add the bell pepper. Continue to sauté for a few minutes until they become soft.
2. Add the tomatoes: Add the peeled and finely chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Let it cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Fish Pizza Sauce
1. Prepare the sauce base: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and add the flour. Stir constantly until the flour turns light brown.
2. Add the water: Gradually pour in the water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, and oregano.
3. Incorporate the zucchini: Add the zucchini and fried bell pepper, mixing gently, and let it cool.

Step 4: Assembling the Pizza
1. Prepare the tray: Grease a tray with butter and, after the dough has risen, divide it into two. Use 600-700 g of dough for each pizza.
2. Roll out the dough: Roll the dough evenly in the prepared tray, gently pressing with your fingers to fit the shape of the tray.
3. Add the fillings: On the first pizza, spread the tomato sauce and add mushrooms, olives, slices of ham, onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper, sprinkling with salt, pepper, and oregano.
4. Prepare the fish pizza: On the second pizza, spread the tomato sauce, followed by the zucchini sauce. Place pieces of fish and chili pepper, then onion and sliced bell pepper.
5. Bake the pizza: Preheat the oven to 220°C (high heat) and bake the pizza for 20 minutes. Then, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle grated mozzarella. Put it back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Serving and Suggestions
Pizza a la Camelia is served hot, alongside a fresh salad or ketchup, depending on preferences. A delicious combination of flavors and textures makes these pizzas a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a white wine or a cold blonde beer.

Tips and Variations
- For a crispier dough, you can add a bit of olive oil to the kneading water.
- Experiment with fillings! Instead of ham, you can use chicken breast or grilled vegetables. The fish pizza can be made with canned tuna or marinated fish fillets.
- Replace mozzarella with feta cheese for a stronger flavor or goat cheese for a deeper taste.
- Add spices: Oregano, basil, or chili can add extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
Pizza a la Camelia is an excellent source of carbohydrates from flour, protein from cheese, and fiber from vegetables. By adding fish, it becomes a rich option in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour will add a denser texture and a richer taste.

2. How can I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza stores well in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil or in an airtight container. It can be reheated in the oven or in a skillet.

3. What type of yeast can I use?
You can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity (about 14 g for 1 kg of flour).

4. How can I make the tomato sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes or hot pepper sauce to the tomato sauce for a more intense flavor.

Pizza a la Camelia is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Each bite is full of flavor, and every cooking session becomes an unforgettable memory. So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy the magic of cooking!