Florentine Pizza

Florentine Pizza - A Delicious Treat Full of Flavor and Tradition

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 2

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, and the Florentine Pizza recipe pays homage to culinary tradition, combining simple yet flavorful ingredients. This pizza, with its crispy crust and rich toppings, is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend evening with friends.

In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to prepare a delicious Florentine Pizza, along with some useful tricks and tips to achieve an outstanding result. Here’s how to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece!

Necessary Ingredients:

- 200 g pizza dough (can be store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (natural tomato sauce, preferably without additives)
- 60 g ham (choose a quality ham with a rich flavor)
- 40 g salami (a salami with an intense taste will add extra flavor)
- 13 g mushrooms (fresh mushrooms are best, but you can also use canned mushrooms)
- 70 g mozzarella (fresh mozzarella is ideal, but shredded also works)

Step by Step for a Perfect Florentine Pizza:

1. Preparing the Dough: If using store-bought dough, take it out of the packaging and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. If making the dough at home, ensure it has risen properly and is elastic and easy to roll out.

2. Preheating the Oven: Set the oven to 220 degrees Celsius (or 200 degrees Celsius if using a fan) to ensure the pizza bakes evenly and achieves a crispy crust.

3. Assembling the Toppings:
- Place the pizza dough on a baking tray, either on parchment paper or greased with a little oil.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough using a spatula or the back of a spoon. It’s important not to use too much sauce, as the dough may become soggy.
- Follow with the slices of ham and salami. Make sure to distribute them evenly over the surface, so each bite is full of flavor.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, distributed evenly to add an umami taste.
- Finally, tear the mozzarella into large pieces and place it over the other ingredients. The mozzarella will melt beautifully and create a golden, delicious crust.

4. Baking the Pizza: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the pizza bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

5. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into slices and serve it warm, perhaps alongside a glass of red wine or a cold beer. If you want to add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chili flakes or fresh basil on top.

Useful Tricks and Tips:

- Choosing the Dough: If making the dough at home, you can add spices like oregano or garlic powder to the mix for extra flavor.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to experiment! You can add olives, bell peppers, anchovies, or even fresh vegetables to create a personalized pizza.
- Tomato Sauce: A homemade tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil makes a significant difference in taste.
- Mozzarella: If you have access to buffalo mozzarella, don’t hesitate to use it; it will add unparalleled creaminess.

Nutritional Information:
This Florentine Pizza contains approximately 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used. Mozzarella provides protein, while mushrooms are rich in fiber and vitamins. Ham and salami add protein but should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar or goat cheese, but keep in mind that each type has a different flavor.

- What can I do if I don’t have an oven?
You can bake the pizza on a skillet over medium heat, covering the skillet to help melt the cheese.

- How can I store leftover pizza?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispiness.

Florentine Pizza will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy around the table. Enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones! Cooking is an art, and with this recipe, you will become a true culinary artist. Enjoy your meal!