Fluffy crust pizza

Fluffy Dough Pizza

Who doesn't love a delicious pizza with fluffy dough and a variety of toppings? This simple fluffy dough pizza recipe is perfect for making at home, giving you the chance to play with your favorite ingredients and create a dish that delights the whole family. Here's how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- 125 ml warm water (approximately 37-40°C)
- 125 ml cold water
- 1 heaping tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- about 400 g flour (type 000 or type 00 for best results)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Tomato sauce for spreading
- Toppings of your choice: salami, ham, mushrooms, corn, cheese (or anything else you prefer)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with 125 ml of warm water. Add a tablespoon of sugar to help activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as activated yeast will ensure a fluffy and airy dough.

2. Preparing the ingredient mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the salt and the 125 ml of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. It is important to use cold water to help regulate the dough temperature, preventing too rapid fermentation.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. This will be where you add the warm and cold water mixture.

4. Kneading the dough: Gradually pour the warm water mixture and then the cold one into the well of flour. Use a spatula or your hands to begin mixing, gradually combining the ingredients. When the dough starts to come together, knead it with your hands for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This is the key to a fluffy dough! If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

5. Letting it rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl drizzled with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

6. Preparing for baking: Once the dough has risen, line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will ensure that the pizza doesn't stick and will be easy to remove after baking.

7. Shaping the pizza: Place the risen dough on a floured work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin or your hands until it reaches the desired size. Transfer the dough to the tray and create a slight border around the edges.

8. Adding sauce and toppings: Spread tomato sauce on the base of the pizza. You can use a ready-made sauce or make a simple one from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Then, add your favorite toppings: slices of salami, ham, mushrooms, corn, and of course, grated cheese.

9. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the pizza tray in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on how browned and crispy you want your pizza. If you prefer a softer dough, you can leave it for just 30 minutes.

10. Finishing touches: About 10 minutes before removing the pizza from the oven, you can add a layer of grated cheese for a golden and delicious crust. Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

11. Serving: Drizzle the pizza with a little ketchup or chili sauce if you like a bit of spice. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a glass of craft beer for a perfect combination.

Practical tips:

- Choose ingredients carefully: The quality of the ingredients will greatly influence the final taste of your pizza. Use good quality flour and fresh ingredients for toppings.
- Variety of toppings: You can experiment with different topping combinations. For example, add olives, hot peppers, or even pineapple for a sweet and tangy note.
- Vegetarian pizza: Use fresh vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits:

Fluffy dough pizza provides carbohydrates from the flour, which are a quick source of energy. If you enrich it with fresh vegetables, you also get essential vitamins and minerals. It's important to enjoy pizza in moderation, especially if you're concerned about caloric intake.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace dry yeast with 25 g of fresh yeast. A similar activation is necessary.

2. How can I make the pizza healthier?
Use whole wheat flour to add fiber and reduce the glycemic index of the pizza. Also, choose healthy toppings like vegetables and low-fat cheeses.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

Fluffy dough pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a cooking experience that brings family and friends together. Whether you enjoy it on a movie night or at a party, each slice is a little joy. Enjoy your meal!