Heart-shaped pizza

Heart-Shaped Pizza – A Delicious and Love-Filled Recipe

Welcome to the wonderful world of pizza, where every ingredient is a note in the symphony of taste! Today, I will guide you step by step in making a heart-shaped pizza, a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. This is not an ordinary pizza; it is a pizza that speaks of love and creativity. Making it can become a pleasant family activity or a fun time with friends, and the heart shape is perfect for any special occasion.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 12 hours (from evening to morning)
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total: 12 hours and 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

*For the Pizza Dough:*
- 1 kg wheat flour (choose type 00 flour for a finer texture)
- 30 g salt (salt helps develop gluten)
- 5 g dry yeast (or 15 g fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (to enhance flavor)
- 1 teaspoon brandy (optional, adds depth of flavor)

*For the Actual Pizza Preparation:*
- 300 g pressed ham (choose a quality ham)
- 300 g cheese (preferably grated mozzarella for perfect melting)
- 4 tablespoons tomato sauce (you can use fresh tomato sauce for a more intense flavor)
- 2 cans of shredded tuna (tuna adds a hint of ocean flavor)
- 6 fresh sausages (the sausages add a crunchy texture and extra flavor)

Detailed Instructions:

1. Preparing the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt, mixing well. This will ensure an even distribution of salt in the dough.
- In another small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 300 ml of warm water (about 37°C). Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and brandy if using. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients, then knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature from 8 PM until the next morning. This long rising time will develop complex flavors and a fluffy texture.

2. Shaping the Pizza:
- The next day, preheat the oven to 220°C. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes on a floured surface. Divide the dough into four portions and roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve heart shapes. This is the moment to let your creativity shine!
- Place the heart-shaped dough on a baking tray lined with special baking foil.

3. Adding the Ingredients:
- Spread 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce on each heart, spreading it evenly.
- Add diced pressed ham and sliced sausages on top. Generously sprinkle the grated cheese, making sure every corner of the pizza is covered.
- Place the pizza in the oven for 10 minutes. After this time, add the shredded tuna on top and leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

4. Serving:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or oregano.

Practical Tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add some olives or roasted bell peppers on the pizza.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ham and sausages with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Heart-shaped pizza pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad or a dry white wine, which will enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, use 15 g of fresh yeast and follow the same instructions.
- What is the secret to a fluffy dough?
The rising time is essential, so don’t skip it! The longer the dough rises, the fluffier it will be.
- How can I store pizza for later?
You can let it cool completely, then wrap it in aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Benefits:
Heart-shaped pizza is an excellent source of carbohydrates from flour, protein from meat and cheese, and vitamins from tomato sauce. It can be a balanced choice if consumed in moderation.

Feel free to experiment with various ingredients and flavors. Pizza is a versatile dish that can adapt to any taste. So enjoy every step of the preparation and savor the final result of this delicious and love-filled recipe! Enjoy your meal!