Mixed Red Pizza

Pizza Mista Rosa: A Culinary Experience Across Generations

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Pizza Mista Rosa is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, bringing a burst of flavors and textures to the table. This red mixed pizza is not just a delicious dish, but also a way to gather family and friends around the table, creating unforgettable memories. Whether it's a weekend evening or you want to impress at a party, this recipe will turn every occasion into a celebration of tastes.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 g olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 00 flour and American flour, as needed (approximately 500 g in total)

For the topping:
- 200 g tomato sauce (mixed with oregano, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt)
- 100 g mushrooms (sautéed)
- 50 g salami (diced)
- 1 eggplant (diced and fried)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 50 g ham (diced)
- 100 g mozzarella (grated)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough: Start by dissolving the fresh yeast along with the two tablespoons of sugar in 200 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, until the yeast starts to foam. This step is crucial as it ensures an even rise of the dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour (00 flour and American flour, in equal proportions) and make a well in the center. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients. The dough should be smooth but not too hard or elastic.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. Watch how the dough doubles in size – this is a sign that the yeast is working.

4. Preparing the ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Fry the diced eggplant in a pan with oil, salt, oregano, and a crushed garlic clove until golden and soft. In another pan, sauté the mushrooms until tender. Prepare the other ingredients: chop the tomatoes, salami, and ham.

5. Assembling the pizza: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a pizza tray greased with oil, forming an even base. Spread the tomato sauce mixed with oregano over the surface of the dough. Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.

6. Adding the toppings: Remove the pizza from the oven and place the prepared ingredients: eggplant, mushrooms, ham, salami, and tomatoes, in your preferred order. Each bite will be a pleasant surprise with varied flavors!

7. Finishing the pizza: Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella over the toppings and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden. The last minute of baking is the perfect time to achieve a crispy crust.

8. Serving: Cut the pizza into slices and serve hot, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or a delicate red wine.

Practical Tips and Variations

- The perfect dough: If you want a crispier dough, you can use a higher proportion of American flour, which has a higher gluten content.
- Fillings of choice: You can add olives, bell peppers, artichokes, or even pineapple, depending on your preferences. Each variation will give a personal touch to your pizza.
- Vegetarian pizza: For a vegetarian option, you can exclude the meat and add more fried vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.

Nutritional Benefits

This pizza contains a variety of fresh ingredients that provide important nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while eggplants and mushrooms are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins. Mozzarella offers quality protein, and olive oil is a healthy fat that can contribute to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, using approximately 7 g. Add it directly to the flour.

2. How do I store pizza for the next day? Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by using vegan cheese and omitting meat, resulting in a 100% plant-based pizza.

Pizza Mista Rosa is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to cook and savor moments with loved ones. Each ingredient contributes to creating a memorable culinary experience. So, put on some pleasant music, gather your friends, and enjoy this delicacy!