Mediterranean pizza with tuna and red onion.

Mediterranean pizza with tuna and red onion

Mediterranean pizza with tuna and red onion is a recipe that combines the authentic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with favorite ingredients, offering an explosion of tastes and textures. This pizza can quickly become your favorite, just as it has become mine. Often, when we ordered it from the pizzeria, I was disappointed with the consistency of the dough or the amount of oil on the tuna. So I decided to make the pizza at home, adapting the recipe to my personal taste. The result was phenomenal, and now I want to share with you the steps to achieve a perfect, crispy, and flavorful pizza.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g durum wheat flour
- 300 g white flour
- 250 ml warm water + 20 ml warm milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ cube fresh yeast

For the topping:
- 3 cans of tuna in oil (80 g each)
- 1 red onion
- 350 ml homemade tomato passata (or a can of tomatoes in their juice)
- 400 g mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Oregano
- Salt
- Olive oil

Preparation

Step 1: Making the dough
1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with warm water. Add sugar and yeast, stirring gently until dissolved.
2. In a large bowl, sift the durum wheat flour and white flour. Add salt and mix the dry ingredients well.
3. Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the liquid with yeast. Start kneading the dough vigorously. If the dough is too soft, you can gradually add a little flour.
4. Once you have a homogeneous dough, gradually add the olive oil and continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky. If you have a food processor, you can use it at speed 3 for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Proofing the dough
1. Place a kitchen towel on a clean wooden surface. Sprinkle a little flour on the towel.
2. Put the dough in the center, sprinkle a little flour on top, and cover it with the towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 3 hours, until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the topping
1. Meanwhile, prepare the ingredients for the topping. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and drain the oil from the tuna. Slice the onion into julienne strips.
2. In a bowl, place the tomato passata and add salt, oregano, chopped basil leaves, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to obtain a thick and flavorful paste.

Step 4: Assembling the pizza
1. 30 minutes before baking the pizza, preheat the oven to 250°C.
2. Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Using your hands, stretch the dough until it reaches the size of the baking tray.
3. Place the dough in the greased tray (to prevent sticking) and spread the seasoned passata over the entire surface.
4. Sprinkle the drained tuna on top and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Baking the pizza
1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes.
2. After this time, remove the tray from the oven and add the julienne onion strips. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Return to the oven until the mozzarella melts and becomes golden. Check if the pizza is done by gently lifting the corners: if it is browned on the bottom, it is perfect.

Step 6: Serving
1. After removing the pizza from the oven, sprinkle a little oregano on top and add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
2. Serve the pizza hot, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad or a glass of white wine to highlight the Mediterranean flavors.

Useful tips
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of mozzarella used. Tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while basil adds a boost of antioxidants.
- Variations: You can add black or green olives, red peppers, or even artichokes to diversify the flavors. If you love cheese, you can replace mozzarella with a mix of cheeses.
- For an even crispier crust: You can try using a pizza stone or preheating the tray in the oven before placing the pizza on it.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How can I tell if the dough has risen enough? Wait until it has significantly risen and doubled in volume.
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, but you will need to activate it in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour.

Conclusion
Mediterranean pizza with tuna and red onion is not just a simple recipe but also a culinary experience full of flavor. By making it at home, you can adapt every detail to your preferences. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and put your personal touch on every pizza you make. Enjoy!