Pizza

Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. This recipe will help you create delicious crusts and customize them with your favorite ingredients, giving you the chance to put your personal touch on every pizza. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a party with friends, homemade pizza will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4 pizza crusts

Ingredients for the crust:
- 1 kg of flour (you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast or 2 teaspoons of dry yeast (I prefer dry yeast for simplicity)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil (you can use any type of oil, but olive oil enhances the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 400-450 ml of warm water
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (to aid fermentation)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (helps the yeast to rise)

Ingredients for the topping:
- 200 g of dried salami or other preferred cold cuts
- 2 smoked sausages
- 1/2 can of diced tomatoes (preferably Cirio for intense flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste dissolved in 200 ml of water
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1-2 fresh tomatoes
- 200 g of sliced olives
- 1 can of sliced mushrooms
- 1 can of corn kernels
- 250 g of grated cheese
- 2-3 green onions
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for greasing the pans

The history of pizza:
Pizza has deep roots in culinary history, being associated with cooking traditions from various regions. Over time, pizza has evolved, combining simple yet delicious ingredients, and has become a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. This recipe invites you to continue this tradition, bringing pizza into your own kitchen.

Instructions for the crust:
1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. These ingredients will kickstart the fermentation process.

2. Pour a little warm water over the yeast and mix well. Then, sift half of the flour and incorporate it into the mixture. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit for 20 minutes. This step is essential to activate the yeast.

3. Once the yeast has risen, add the remaining water and flour. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Add the olive oil and continue kneading for a few more minutes. Cover the dough again and let it rise in a warm place for 30-35 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

5. When the dough is ready, divide it into four equal parts and shape them into balls. Let them rise for another 10-15 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the pizza pans. Grease four pans with olive oil to prevent sticking.

7. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball of dough into the desired shape, being careful not to make it too thin. Place the dough in the prepared pans and prick it with a fork to release air.

8. Bake the crusts in a preheated oven at 200°C for 5-6 minutes, or until they become lightly golden. If you are saving them for later, bake them for 15-20 minutes. Once baked, let them cool slightly and wrap them in bags to keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Preparing the sauce:
1. In a pan, add the dissolved tomato paste in 200 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add a little dried basil and freshly ground pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then turn off the heat. Allow it to cool slightly.

Assembling the pizza:
1. On the first crust, spread 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and add 3-4 tablespoons of diced tomatoes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms, olives, sweet corn, sliced green bell pepper, and grated cheese. Top with slices of tomatoes. Bake the pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges become crispy.

2. Continue assembling the other crusts according to your preferences. Whether you choose to use cold cuts or vegetables, let your imagination run wild. For example, on the second crust, add 2-3 tablespoons of sauce, slices of dried salami, olives, mushrooms, and red bell pepper.

3. For the third crust, you can opt for a combination of smoked sausages, green bell pepper, olives, corn, and grated cheese.

4. The last crust can be a vegetarian option, adding 2-3 tablespoons of sauce, green onions, red and green bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and corn. Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste, then bake it.

Serving suggestions:
Pizza is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad and a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or a smoothie. Also, feel free to experiment with different pizza sauces, like a garlic yogurt sauce or pesto.

Useful tips:
- If you want a crispier pizza, leave the crusts in the oven for a few extra minutes.
- You can add spices like oregano or rosemary to the dough for a distinct flavor.
- Play with the toppings! Add pineapple, avocado, or even arugula for a fresh touch.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the crust?
Yes, whole wheat flour gives a richer flavor and an interesting texture.

2. How can I store the pizza crusts?
Baked crusts can be stored in plastic bags in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for a few months.

3. What other ingredients can I use?
You can add any preferred vegetables or cold cuts, such as bacon, zucchini, or ricotta.

4. How can I make gluten-free pizza?
Use gluten-free flour and follow the same preparation instructions.

Homemade pizza is not only a delicious dish but also an opportunity to have fun in the kitchen. So embrace your creativity and enjoy every bite!