Pizza

Delicious Homemade Pizza Recipe

Do you want an evening where the fresh aroma of a homemade pizza fills your kitchen? This simple and quick recipe for homemade pizza is perfect whether you're preparing for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just want to indulge in a delicious meal. Cooking is more than just an activity; it's a moment of joy and creativity. So, let's discover together how to achieve the perfect pizza!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour (choose a quality flour, type 000 or 550, for a fluffier crust)
- 250 ml lukewarm water (the water should not be hot; the ideal temperature is about 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (this helps activate the yeast and gives the crust more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for a richer taste and a finer texture of the dough)

Ingredients for the topping:
- 200 g canned mushrooms (make sure they are well drained)
- 100 g corn (you can use canned corn or fresh boiled corn)
- 200 g salami or ham (you can choose your favorite type or even a vegetarian option)
- 50 g sliced olives (black or green, depending on your preference)
- 150 g mozzarella (fresh or grated, for a creamy texture)
- 4 tablespoons of ketchup (you can substitute with tomato sauce or pizza sauce, depending on your preferences)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a bowl, add the sifted flour, salt, oil, and yeast. Mix the dry ingredients to distribute them evenly. Then, make a well in the center and pour in the lukewarm water. Add the sugar to activate the yeast. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a dough begins to form.

2. Kneading the dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until you achieve an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Once you have the desired consistency, shape it into a ball and place it in the bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. (If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but a risen dough will be airier and fluffier.)

3. Shaping the pizza:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. Use a rolling pin to stretch each piece of dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Make sure the dough is not too thick to bake evenly.

4. Preparing the tray and toppings:
Grease a pizza tray with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the stretched dough in the tray. Use a cooking brush to spread the ketchup evenly over the surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella. Add the slices of salami or ham, mushrooms, corn, and olives. Top with the remaining mozzarella and garnish with a little ketchup for an appetizing look.

5. Baking the pizza:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is ready, place the pizza tray inside and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and nicely browned.

6. Serving:
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can slice it and serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a cold beer.

Practical tips:
- If you want a spicy pizza, you can add some slices of hot pepper or spices like oregano and basil to the ketchup sauce.
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Vary the toppings according to your preferences. You can add fresh vegetables, feta cheese, or even anchovies for a unique taste.

Nutritional information:
Each pizza serving (1/4 of the pizza) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Homemade pizza is a healthier option than store-bought, as you can control the ingredients and portions.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
- How can I store pizza for the next day? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. Reheat it in the oven to keep it crispy.
- Can I freeze pizza? Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking it. Wrap the dough and toppings in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer.

The story behind this pizza recipe is one of unity and joy, a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing people together at their tables. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or simply treat yourself to a moment of indulgence, this homemade pizza will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

Let the fun begin in the kitchen! Bon appétit!