Homemade Pizza

Homemade Vegetable and Meat Pizza Recipe - A Quick and Satisfying Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6

In search of a recipe that combines flavor with the freshness of ingredients, homemade pizza is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also give you the chance to have fun in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a simple and quick recipe, ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s start the culinary journey!

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 3 cups of flour (preferably type 000, for a finer texture)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 25 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup of warm milk (approximately 40-45°C)
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (to help activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of salt (for taste)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)

*For the topping:*
- 5 slices of melted cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great)
- 300 g meat (pork loin, but you can also use chicken or turkey)
- 6 small tomatoes (you can opt for cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste)
- 100 g pitted olives (kalamata olives are a good choice)
- 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow (for added color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of sweet ketchup (or spicy, depending on preferences)
- 2 tablespoons of grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino are interesting options)
- 50 g cheese (to add a delicious crust)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour where you will add the salt, sugar, yeast cube, and diced butter. This step is essential because the yeast needs warmth and moisture to activate and rise the dough.

2. Adding the liquid ingredients: Heat the milk until it is warm, then gently pour it into the well in the flour, adding the two tablespoons of oil. Mix gently with a fork to combine the ingredients, then start kneading the dough with your hands. Knead for about 10 minutes until you have a non-sticky and elastic dough. If the dough becomes too sticky, you can add a little flour.

3. Fermenting the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30 minutes. This step is crucial because the yeast will make the dough rise and become fluffy.

4. Preparing the topping: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the topping ingredients. Cut the meat into small cubes, the tomatoes into slices, and the peppers into thin strips. The olives can be left whole or halved, depending on your preferences.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking. This is an essential step as a well-prepared tray will allow the pizza to bake evenly and not stick.

6. Assembling the pizza: Once the dough has risen, roll it out to the size of the tray. Carefully place it in the tray, making sure to form a small border around the edges. Using a spoon, spread the dough with ketchup, then add the melted cheese, meat, tomatoes, peppers, olives, grated cheese, and cheese, layering the ingredients to create a rich and flavorful pizza.

7. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese melts beautifully. You will notice the delicious aroma spreading throughout the house!

8. Serving: Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve it hot, alongside spicy ketchup or garlic yogurt sauces for a fresh contrast.

Serving suggestions and variations: This pizza can be customized according to your preferences. Add mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even pineapple for an exotic touch. You can also use different cheeses or change the toppings according to the season. A homemade pizza goes perfectly with a fresh green salad or a glass of tomato juice.

Nutritional information: A serving of this pizza contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the meat and cheese, as well as vitamins from the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
- What type of flour can I use? You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Can I freeze the pizza? Yes, the pizza can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well in cling film before placing it in the freezer.
- How can I make a vegetarian pizza? Replace the meat with additional vegetables, such as zucchini or fresh spinach.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to create a delicious homemade pizza that will impress family and friends. Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to experiment and enjoy the flavor of food cooked with love!