Marinara Pizza

Marinara Pizza: A Simple and Tasty Delight

Who doesn't love a delicious, crispy pizza full of flavors? Marinara Pizza is a classic recipe that combines simplicity with authentic taste, bringing a piece of culinary history to your table. The origins of pizza are lost in the mists of time, but it is known that, over the centuries, the combination of dough, tomatoes, and various toppings has delighted the taste buds of many cultures. In this recipe, we will focus on an easy version of pizza with tuna, perfect for a quick family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour (choose type 00 for a finer dough)
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast, if you prefer)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 220 ml warm water (approximately 37-40°C)

For the topping:
- 1-2 cans of tuna (preferably in olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 300 g tomato pulp (you can use fresh, pureed, or canned tomatoes)
- 200 g sliced mushrooms (champignon or wild mushrooms for extra flavor)
- 150 g mozzarella (ideally fresh mozzarella, but shredded mozzarella works too)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (for an unmistakable taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano Kotanyi (or good quality dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon Pizza spices Kotanyi (a secret blend that will add extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding the following ingredients to the bread machine bowl (or a large bowl if you choose to knead by hand): warm water, salt, olive oil, flour mixed with baking powder, and finally add the yeast and sugar. This order helps activate the yeast, making the dough fluffier.

2. Kneading: Set the bread machine to the kneading and rising program. If kneading by hand, mix the ingredients with a spoon, then knead with your hands for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising the dough: Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, for 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is a crucial step that will ensure a fluffy crust.

4. Preparing the topping: While the dough is rising, open the cans of tuna and let them drain in a colander. Slice the mushrooms and prepare the garlic, which you can chop finely or press.

5. Assembling the pizza: Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 160°C. Grease a large baking tray with olive oil and place a sheet of baking paper inside. Roll out the dough in the prepared tray, making sure it reaches the edges.

6. Adding the toppings: Spread the tomato pulp evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the garlic, oregano, and the pizza spice blend. Add the crumbled tuna and sliced mushrooms. Finally, cut the mozzarella balls in half and place them on top.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the pizza bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the mozzarella melts and forms appetizing bubbles.

8. Serving: Once the pizza is baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut it into portions. You can serve it with homemade ketchup or various sauces, depending on your preferences.

Useful Tips
- If you want a crispier crust, you can preheat the tray in the oven before adding the dough.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or olives for extra color and flavor.
- If you like spicy sauces, don’t forget to have cold beer on hand, especially if you add hot sauces!

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of Marinara Pizza contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of mozzarella and tuna. It is a good source of protein due to the tuna, while tomatoes and mushrooms provide antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 25 g of fresh yeast, but make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

2. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking it. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a longer baking time.

3. What other toppings could I use?
Marinara Pizza is very versatile. You can add smoked fish, olives, bell peppers, or even anchovies for an explosion of flavors.

Marinara Pizza is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring family and friends together. Enjoy every slice and savor the Mediterranean flavors that blend tradition with innovation. Each bite will transport you on a culinary journey, and the result will surely be unforgettable!