Pizza

Homemade Pizza: a Delicious and Easy-to-Make Recipe

Pizza, that dish which has captured the hearts of many, is a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. Whether you serve it at a party, a family dinner, or just to treat yourself on a quiet evening, pizza is always an excellent choice. In this recipe, we will focus on creating a delicious pizza with a soft and fluffy dough, topped with savory ingredients.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 ml lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 400 g wheat flour (type 650, for a finer texture)

For the topping:
- 100 g Prague ham, diced
- 100 g Oltenian sausages, diced
- 100 g bacon or country-style ham, chopped
- 100 g pork pastrama
- 150 g canned sweet corn
- 150 g canned mushrooms, sliced
- 200 g tomato paste or ketchup
- 200 g grated cheese (preferably a mix of cheeses)

Step by step in making the pizza

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the fresh yeast to the lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Add the sugar and gently stir to dissolve the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the salt. It is important to mix the salt with the flour, as adding it directly to the yeast mixture can inhibit its activity. Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture, then pour in the flour mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, start kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Fermenting the dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is the stage that will transform your dough into a fluffy and delicious one.

Step 4: Shaping the pizza
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C. Grease a pizza pan or a baking tray with oil. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you achieve a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan.

Step 5: Adding the toppings
Spread the tomato paste or ketchup evenly over the dough, leaving a margin of about 1 cm. Then, sprinkle the diced cold cuts, corn, and mushrooms. Don’t forget to get creative: you can add other vegetables or cheeses you like. Finally, grate the cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.

Step 6: Baking the pizza
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the pizza bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy. The delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen during this time will be a true delight.

Step 7: Serving
Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. Served warm, with a fresh salad on the side or some olives, your homemade pizza will surely be a hit!

Useful tips for a perfect pizza
- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour, preferably type 650, to achieve an elastic dough.
- Oven temperature: A well-preheated oven is essential for getting a crispy crust.
- Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. If using dry yeast, adjust the amount to 10 g.
- Toppings: Be creative! You can add olives, peppers, anchovies, or even seafood for a unique pizza.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the cold cuts with fresh vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

Nutrition and calories
A serving of pizza (approximately 1/4 of the pizza) contains about 300-400 calories, depending on the toppings used. This is a satisfying option, rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing energy and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- How can I store pizza for the next day? Find an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- What drinks go well with pizza? A light lager or a light red wine are excellent choices. Additionally, a fresh tomato juice will perfectly complement the flavors.

With this homemade pizza recipe, you will not only create a delicious dish but also a joyful moment with your loved ones. Cooking together can turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable memory. Make your pizza, enjoy every bite, and share your creation with friends and family!