Mini Pizzas

Delicious Pizzette: A Perfect Choice for Indulgent Moments

Preparation time: 1 hour (plus 15 minutes for cooking)
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 small pizzas

Who doesn't love a serving of pizzette? These little delights are perfect for a snack, an appetizer at a party, or simply to treat your family. Whether you're enjoying them with loved ones or preparing them for a movie night, pizzette are always an inspired choice.

Before we get started, let's familiarize ourselves a bit with the history of pizzette. This dish is a miniature version of classic pizza, often topped with various ingredients, quickly cooked, and perfect for small portions. Over time, pizzette have evolved, being adapted to different tastes and preferences, but their essence remains the same: a simple dough and delicious toppings.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 00 for a fine texture)
- 150 ml warm water
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (or ½ packet of dry yeast)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

For the sauce:
- 400 g tomato puree (you can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the toppings:
- 200 g mozzarella, diced
- 150 g sausages, thinly sliced
- 2 potatoes, fried (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Making the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. In another container, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and add the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
Add the yeast mixture to the bowl with flour, along with the olive oil. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and easy to shape. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Once you have a smooth dough, form it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the tomato sauce
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent.
Add the tomato puree and a little water (about 50 ml) to sweeten the sauce. Season with salt, basil, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the toppings
While the dough is rising and the sauce is cooling, prepare the toppings. Dice the mozzarella and slice the sausages thinly. If you choose to use fried potatoes, fry them until golden and crispy.

4. Forming the pizzette
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into smaller pieces, about 100 g each. Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm. Make sure the surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.

5. Assembling the pizzette
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place each pizzette on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. On each pizzette base, add a thin layer of tomato sauce, followed by the diced mozzarella, sausage slices, and fried potatoes (if using).

6. Baking the pizzette
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizzette for 5 minutes. After this time, remove the tray and add more mozzarella on top if desired. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

7. Serving
Once the pizzette are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. You can serve them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor. These pizzette are delicious both warm and at room temperature, so feel free to share them with friends!

Helpful tips:
- Topping variations: You can customize the pizzette by adding different vegetables, such as peppers, olives, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with various types of cheese, such as feta or cheddar.
- Pizza bread: Instead of using mozzarella, you can try smoked mozzarella for a more intense flavor.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of tomato sauce, you can use pesto or a cream-based white sauce for a gourmet version.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if I don't have fresh yeast?: You can use dry yeast, considering that ½ packet of dry yeast is equivalent to ½ cube of fresh yeast.
- How do I store leftover dough?: If you have leftover dough, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can roll it out and make fresh pizzette whenever you like.

Nutritional benefits
Pizzette contain carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the mozzarella and sausages, as well as vitamins and minerals from tomatoes, onions, and various vegetables. Additionally, olive oil adds healthy fats to your diet.

This pizzette recipe is not only simple and quick but also extremely versatile. I encourage you to play with the ingredients and find the combinations you like best. Whether you're serving them at a party with friends or for a family dinner, your pizzette will surely be a hit. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!