Homemade pizza

Homemade Pizza – A Delight for the Senses

Pizza, this iconic dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world, has a fascinating history. From the first simple recipes to the sophisticated ones with innovative toppings, pizza has continuously evolved, becoming a symbol of conviviality and family meals. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to create a delicious homemade pizza with a soft and fluffy dough, filled with aromatic and fresh ingredients.

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

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 g white flour
- ½ cube fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 230 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Olive oil for greasing the trays and the dough

For the topping:
- 200 g salami
- 200 g canned mushrooms
- 400 g classic cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (depending on preference, about 10-12 pieces)
- 1 bell pepper
- Dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pitted olives (optional)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and start kneading the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until you have a soft and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a tablespoon of flour.

2. Let the dough rise: Form a ball from the dough and grease it with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will triple in volume.

3. Preparing the trays: Once the dough has risen, grease the pizza trays with olive oil. Divide the dough into two or four portions, depending on the size of the trays you have. If you choose four trays, the dough will spread more easily, and you will have thinner pizza.

4. Preheating the oven: Turn on the oven to 200 degrees Celsius to preheat while you prepare the pizza.

5. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with a little olive oil, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Use a kitchen brush to evenly coat the dough with the prepared sauce.

6. Adding the toppings: Place your favorite ingredients on the greased dough. Start with slices of salami, then add the mushrooms, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, and olives. Finally, generously grate the cheese on top.

7. Baking the pizza: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and delicious.

8. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it plain or with a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Flour: Use high-quality flour, preferably type 00, which will provide a finer texture and elasticity to the dough.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve a well-risen dough. If using dry yeast, the recommended amount is 7 g.
- Water temperature: The water should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Topping variations: Experiment with different ingredient combinations – prosciutto, bacon, fresh vegetables, or various cheeses to customize the pizza to your taste.
- Flavoring: Add spices like oregano or chili for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional information (per estimated serving):

- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 20 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I store leftover pizza?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or in a pan to restore its crispiness.

2. Can I freeze pizza?
Yes, pizza can be frozen, but it is recommended to freeze it before baking. Wrap it well in foil and freeze. When you want to prepare it, let it thaw completely before baking.

3. What drinks pair well with pizza?
Pizza pairs wonderfully with a cold beer, red wine, or even natural fruit juices.

This homemade pizza recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a night with friends. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love that went into making it. So let’s enjoy this delicacy and be inspired by its flavors! Enjoy your meal!