Noble pizza

Royal Pizza: a savory and traditional recipe

Who doesn't love a warm pizza with a fluffy crust and delicious toppings? Royal Pizza is an excellent choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends, being not only a simple and quick recipe but also an opportunity to experiment with various ingredients. This recipe combines tradition with flavor, bringing to your table a dish worthy of the most refined tastes. Whether you enjoy it during quiet Sunday evenings or at a gathering with friends, Royal Pizza will surely win everyone's hearts.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 2-3 hours
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 2-3 hours and 50 minutes (including rising)
Number of servings: 2 large pizzas

Ingredients:

- 350 g white flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 225 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 25 g butter (optional)
- 200 g sausages or hot dogs
- 150 g mozzarella
- 100 g olives (pitted)
- 200 g tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons oregano

Step by step: Preparation guide

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt and olive oil. Make sure the ingredients are well combined to avoid lumps.

2. In another container, combine the warm water with a tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Mix well and let it sit for 15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.

Step 2: Forming the dough

3. Once the yeast has risen, add the mixture to the center of the flour. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients, bringing the flour from the outside towards the inside.

4. If you want a richer dough, add the butter cut into thin slices. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.

5. At this step, I recommend kneading the dough by hand for about 10 minutes. You can "slap" it on the work surface to give it some strength, which will help develop the gluten. The dough should become elastic and smooth.

Step 3: Rising the dough

6. Let the dough rise for 2 hours in a warm place, covered with a damp towel. Personally, I prefer to leave it in the fridge for 3 hours, as the result is better and more flavorful.

Step 4: Forming the pizza

7. After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and cut the dough into two pieces. Form balls and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

8. While the dough rests, prepare the pizza trays. You can grease them with oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

9. Roll out each ball of dough with your hands or a rolling pin, giving it a round shape, but slightly larger than the tray, so you can fold the edges.

10. Place the dough on the prepared tray. On the edge of the dough, arrange the sausages or hot dogs, which you can cut in half if they are too thick. Fold the edges of the dough to cover the sausages, crimping the edges for a rustic look.

Step 5: Preparing the sauce

11. In a bowl, mix the tomato paste with 3 tablespoons of oil, a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of oregano. This sauce will add extra flavor to your pizza.

Step 6: Assembling and baking the pizza

12. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the edges free. Arrange slices of sausages or hot dogs, olives, and diced mozzarella on top.

13. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust becomes golden and crispy. If you notice the top browning too much, cover the pizza with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serving

14. Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut it into slices and serve warm. You can offer a yogurt or sour cream sauce on the side to add a creamy contrast.

Practical tips

- Variety of toppings: You can experiment with various toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple to create a personalized pizza.
- Flour: Use type 00 flour for a finer and crispier crust. If you prefer a healthier option, you can mix white flour with whole wheat flour.
- Rising: A longer rise in the fridge not only improves flavor but also helps achieve a better texture of the dough.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Royal Pizza has about 300-400 calories, depending on the toppings. It can be a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, especially if you add rich ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 25 g of fresh yeast with 8 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour without activating it separately.

2. Why should I let the dough rise in the fridge?
Rising in the fridge helps develop flavors and achieve a better texture. It is a secret used by many professional chefs.

3. Can I make pizza without gluten?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour specifically for pizza, following the instructions on the package.

4. What can I serve with pizza?
Royal Pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a yogurt garlic sauce. A cold beer or a white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

5. How can I store leftover pizza?
Wrap the pizza in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to restore its crispiness.

A personal note

Royal Pizza is one of those recipes that reminds me of the evenings spent with family. Each carefully chosen ingredient and every bite savored is a memory of beautiful moments. I encourage you to try this recipe and add your own variations. Cooking is an art, and each of us has a story to tell through the dishes we create. So, enjoy your meal and happy cooking!