Homemade pizza

Delicious Homemade Pizza Recipe with Bologna and Cheese
*Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes*

Homemade pizza is a comfort food that always brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. This simple and quick recipe, based on a crispy dough and a savory filling, is perfect for a relaxing evening, a quick lunch, or a gathering with friends. Over time, pizza has evolved from a staple food of workers in Italy to a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing beautiful moments. Once you learn to make it at home, you will discover that you can customize the ingredients to your own taste!

Necessary Ingredients
For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 100 ml warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil (or another type of oil)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)

For the filling:
- 200 g bologna (or any other preferred cold cuts)
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 2 boiled eggs
- 150 g sheep cheese (or another type of cheese or cheese)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 green onions
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add 300 g of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cube of fresh yeast. Pour 100 ml of warm water over the yeast and let it rise for 5-10 minutes until foam forms on the surface. This step is essential to activate the yeast.

2. Kneading the dough
After the yeast has risen, add 5 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl. Start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hands. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Let the dough rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 30 minutes until the dough doubles in volume. This is an important step as it allows air to develop in the dough, leading to a fluffy and delicious pizza.

4. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Slice the bologna thinly, and you can grate the boiled eggs on a large grater. Drizzle the tomato puree over a greased baking tray. This will add a rich flavor and prevent the dough from sticking.

5. Assembling the pizza
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Place the dough in the prepared tray, making sure to cover the edges evenly. Add the tomato puree, then evenly distribute the slices of bologna, grated eggs, chopped onion, and green onions. Grate cheese on top and sprinkle oregano for added flavor.

6. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes until the dough is golden and crispy at the edges. Keep an eye on the pizza in the last few minutes of baking, as times may vary depending on the oven.

7. Serving
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve the pizza warm, alongside a fresh salad or with a refreshing drink, such as lemonade or a light white wine. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, as it is a dish that brings joy and conviviality.

Practical Tips
- Filling variations: You can add vegetables such as peppers or olives, or you can replace the bologna with other types of meat. Additionally, the cheese can be varied; mozzarella brings a unique flavor, while goat cheese offers a special note.
- What type of flour to use: Type 000 flour or bread flour is ideal for achieving an elastic dough with a good texture.
- Storing the pizza: If there is leftover pizza, you can keep it in the refrigerator, covered. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions
- *Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?* Yes, you can use dry yeast; use about one teaspoon (7 g) of dry yeast.
- *How can I make the dough more flavorful?* You can add dried herbs, such as basil or rosemary, to the dough for extra flavor.
- *What other sauces can I use?* Instead of tomato puree, you can use pesto sauce, white sauce, or even chili sauce for a spicy flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
This pizza contains protein from eggs and cheese, carbohydrates from flour, as well as healthy fats from olive oil. By adding vegetables, you can increase fiber and vitamin intake. It is a balanced meal that can be enjoyed in moderation, given the variety of ingredients.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work! I encourage you to express your creativity in the kitchen and experiment with ingredients you like. Enjoy your meal!