Ham Pizza

Ham Pizza – A Quick and Tasty Delicacy

Who doesn’t love a slice of warm pizza, with fresh ingredients and enticing aromas? This ham pizza recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re planning a family dinner, a get-together with friends, or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious dish.

In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to achieve the perfect dough, choose the best ingredients, and prepare a pizza that will impress everyone. So, let’s get to work!

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 250 g flour (plus extra for working)
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (about 20 g)
- 1 small cube of butter (about 10 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150 ml lukewarm water (not hot)

For the filling:
- 4-5 slices of lean ham
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 fresh tomato
- 50 g olives (preferably green or black, to taste)
- 50 g grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves (for an extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Dough
The first step is to prepare the pizza dough. In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the crumbled yeast, butter cube, and salt. These ingredients are essential for achieving a fluffy and tasty dough.

Helpful Tips:
- Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Lukewarm water is ideal for activating it.
- If desired, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to help activate the yeast.

Gradually pour the lukewarm water into the bowl, stirring with a spoon until the dough begins to form. Then, knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and not sticky.

2. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to prepare your filling ingredients.

3. Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, slice the ham, bell pepper, and tomato thinly. You can also slice the olives so they integrate perfectly into the pizza.

Personal Suggestion:
If you want to add an extra flavor, you can include some stuffed olives with peppers or capers – they will turn the pizza into a true feast!

4. Forming the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and knead it again for a few seconds. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to form a sheet about 28 cm in diameter, suitable for the baking tray.

Tip:
If you want a crispier crust, you can use a pizza stone, which you should preheat in the oven.

Grease the baking tray with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the dough in the tray, then start adding the filling ingredients. Place the slices of ham, bell pepper, tomato, olives, and sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

5. Seasoning
Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. For an extra freshness, sprinkle some mint leaves, which will add a surprising and aromatic note.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is ready, place the tray with the pizza inside and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edge of the pizza is nicely browned.

7. Serving
Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve immediately, perhaps with a fresh salad on the side.

Combinations and Variations
Ham pizza is extremely versatile. You can add various ingredients, such as mushrooms, artichokes, or even pineapple, to achieve an exotic flavor. You can also serve it with a spicy tomato sauce or a yogurt and garlic sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough, but the texture will be slightly different.

- How can I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Nutritional Benefits
Ham pizza is not only delicious but also nutritious. Whole wheat flour provides fiber, and ham is a good source of lean protein. Tomatoes and bell peppers bring vitamins and antioxidants, while cheese contributes calcium and protein.

Conclusion
Ham pizza is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be customized according to your preferences. With this recipe, you will not only impress your guests but also enjoy a pleasant and relaxing cooking moment. So, put on your apron, play your favorite music, and let’s enjoy a delicious pizza!