House Pizza

Homemade Pizza – a recipe that combines the joy of cooking with the pleasure of being together with loved ones. Even on the busiest days, when holidays urge us to relax, sometimes an invitation to a warm and delicious pizza is all we need to add a touch of magic to the festive atmosphere. This simple and quick recipe for homemade pizza is sure to become your family's favorite!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 90 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients for the dough:
- 700 g of flour (preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 1 tablespoon of iodized salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of dry yeast (ensures even rising)
- 400 ml of warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil (adds flavor and elasticity to the dough)

Ingredients for the topping:
- 100 g of Victoria salami (or any preferred cold cut)
- 50 g of ham or prosciutto (for extra flavor)
- 200 g of Delaco cheese (or another cheese that melts nicely)
- 500 ml of Panacris ketchup (or another preferred ketchup)
- 50 g of pitted olives (for an intense taste)
- Oregano (to taste, but recommended generously for its unmistakable aroma)
- 1 can of mushrooms (sliced, for a tasty topping)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
To achieve a perfect pizza crust, it is essential to follow the order of ingredients. If you have a bread machine (like Maricica, my trusty helper), add the ingredients in the following order:
1. Put the warm water in the container.
2. Add the sifted flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the dry yeast, and finally, the olive oil.
Set the machine to knead and rise the dough for 90 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the topping ingredients
In the meantime, take advantage of this waiting time to prepare. Slice the cold cuts thinly and cool the cheese if necessary. Also, prepare the canned mushrooms and olives, slicing them into rings or rounds. Prepare the pizza trays by lining them with parchment paper; this will help prevent the crust from sticking.

Step 3: Shaping the pizza crusts
Once the dough has risen nicely, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and remove it from the container. Gently knead it to release the air and divide it into two or three portions, depending on the desired size of the pizza. Roll each portion on a floured surface, giving it the round shape specific to pizza.

Step 4: Assembling the pizza
Here comes the fun part! Place the crust on the lined tray and start assembling the pizza. Here is the suggested order:
1. Spread a generous layer of Panacris ketchup on the crust (this will be the base of the sauce).
2. Sprinkle a layer of grated cheese, followed by another layer of ketchup for an intense flavor.
3. Add the slices of mushrooms, salami, and ham, then continue with another layer of ketchup.
4. Place the olive rounds and sprinkle oregano to taste.
5. Finally, don’t forget another layer of grated cheese, which will form a delicious crust.

Step 5: Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust becomes golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will make you crave it even before tasting!

Practical tips:
- If you want to improve the texture of the dough, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar or a bit of milk to the water.
- You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye flour, for a healthier option.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- If you don’t have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand. It’s an excellent relaxation exercise and will give you great satisfaction!

Possible variations:
- Replace the cold cuts with fresh vegetables or feta cheese for a vegetarian option.
- Add slices of bell pepper, green olives, or cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or brie, to add a gourmet touch to your pizza.

Serving:
Pizza is served hot, straight from the oven, alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink, such as tomato juice or white wine. You can even prepare a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill, which perfectly complements this dish.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Homemade pizza is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, depending on the ingredients used. Whole wheat flour provides fiber, while fresh vegetables add essential vitamins. It’s important to consume pizza in moderation, especially if you're watching a specific caloric intake.

Enjoy the cooking process and the moments spent with loved ones. Homemade pizza is not just a simple dish, but an unforgettable experience! Enjoy your meal!