Pizza

Quick and Delicious Weekend Pizza

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rising time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Here in our home, pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a weekend ritual, a moment of joy with family. David loves pizza, and his mom is no slouch either. That’s why I decided to share with you a quick and tasty recipe, perfect for making together on the weekend!

The history of pizza is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. However, what truly matters is how each of us personalizes our pizza at home, turning it into a dish that reflects our tastes and preferences. This pizza recipe is simple, but the final result will delight all the senses.

Ingredients for the dough:

- 450 g flour (preferably type 00 for a fine texture)
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons raw sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (make sure it’s fresh)

Ingredients for the topping:

- 200 g chicken pastrami (or any preferred type of meat)
- 150 g cheese or cheese of your choice
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green, according to preference)
- 150 g sliced mushrooms
- 1 egg (optional, for a glossy finish)
- 150 g cooked corn
- 100 g pitted olives (black or green, to taste)
- Tomato sauce (of your choice, fresh or canned)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, pour in 300 ml of lukewarm water. Add the 450 g of flour, salt, raw sugar, olive oil, and dry yeast. Using a dough mixer, mix the ingredients for about 5 minutes. It’s essential for the dough to be well-kneaded to achieve a fluffy and tasty crust, just like at a pizzeria.

2. Letting the dough rise: After kneading the dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 20 minutes. A useful trick is to place the bowl over another bowl with hot water to create a warm and humid environment, ideal for activating the yeast.

3. Shaping the dough: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and gently knead the dough to remove the air. Then, roll it out into a dough sheet about 1 cm thick, which you can adapt to the baking tray you have.

4. Preparing the topping: While the dough rises, you can prepare the ingredients for the topping. Slice the chicken pastrami, bell pepper, and mushrooms thinly. Grate the cheese of your choice. Now you have all the ingredients ready to assemble the pizza!

5. Assembling the pizza: Place the dough sheet in the baking tray. If desired, you can spread a bit of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving room for the toppings. Then, arrange the chicken pastrami, mushrooms, bell pepper, corn, and olives on the dough according to your taste. If you wish, beat the egg and use it to brush the edges of the dough for a golden and appetizing appearance.

6. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy. You’ll smell the delicious aroma wafting throughout the house!

7. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and enjoy it with a fresh salad or a refreshing drink. It’s perfect for a movie night or a gathering with friends!

Useful tips for a perfect pizza:

- Flour: Choose a good quality flour, type 00, which will give the dough a fine texture.
- Water temperature: Make sure the water is lukewarm, but not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.
- Toppings: Vary the toppings according to the season. In summer, fresh tomatoes and basil are fantastic, while in winter, roasted vegetables are ideal.
- Baking: If you want a crispier pizza, you can bake the plain dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need about 25 g. Dissolve it in lukewarm water before adding it to the dough.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh. It’s also important to have a warm environment for the dough to rise.

3. How can I store pizza for the next day?
You can store the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

This simple pizza recipe is not just a way to enjoy a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Experiment with your favorite toppings and turn each pizza into a personalized culinary masterpiece. Enjoy your meal!