Pizza

Delicious Pizza Recipe with Pastrama and Mushrooms

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a steaming pizza with a crispy crust and rich filling? This pastrama, mushroom, and cheese pizza recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a night with friends. Cooking pizza at home is not only a culinary pleasure but also a fun activity, and the result will surely please everyone. Let's get started!

A Brief History of Pizza

Pizza has a fascinating history, being considered one of the most beloved dishes in the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient dough recipes, but its popularity exploded with the introduction of fresh ingredients and diverse combinations. Over the years, pizza has adapted and evolved, becoming a versatile dish that can be customized according to individual preferences.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 tablespoon margarine (you can also use butter for a richer taste)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (preferably with a higher fat content for a softer dough)
- Yeast the size of a walnut (approximately 15 g)
- Warm sparkling water (as needed for kneading)
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- Pastrama (approximately 200 g, diced)
- 100 g olives (sliced)
- 1 small jar of canned mushrooms (approximately 200 g)
- 100 g ham (diced)
- 150 g cheese (grated)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Ketchup (to spread on the dough)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:

- In a bowl or a large mixing bowl, add the egg, sour cream, and margarine. Use a whisk or spatula to mix well until the ingredients are homogeneous.
- In a small bowl, crumble the yeast with a little warm sparkling water, then add the mixture to the other ingredients in the bowl.
- Start gradually adding flour, mixing constantly. Continue kneading until you obtain a homogeneous, elastic, and slightly sticky dough. If necessary, add sparkling water gradually to help form the dough.
- Add a pinch of salt and continue kneading the dough for about 5-7 minutes. This will activate the gluten in the flour, giving the dough a better texture.

2. Letting the dough rise:

- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes. You will notice it will double in volume.

3. Preparing the filling:

- Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Cut the pastrama and ham into cubes, and drain the canned mushrooms well and rinse them under cold water. Then cut them into suitable pieces.
- Slice the olives and grate the cheese with large holes. These ingredients will add a rich flavor and delicious texture to your pizza.

4. Forming the pizza:

- After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and roll the dough into a thin sheet. It should be large enough to cover a round pizza pan or a standard baking tray.
- Grease the pan with a little margarine and place the sheet of dough inside. Using a fork, make a few small holes in the dough to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Spread the ketchup evenly over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle a thin layer of grated cheese. This will act as an “adhesive” for the filling.
- Evenly arrange the cubes of pastrama, ham, mushrooms, and olives. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to achieve a golden and deliciously melted crust.

5. Adding the eggs:

- In a small bowl, beat the two eggs and pour them evenly over the filling. This step will add a creamy texture and help bind the ingredients together.

6. Baking the pizza:

- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pizza pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the dough is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts beautifully.

7. Serving:

- Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into slices and serve it warm. For an extra flavor, you can add some fresh basil or oregano on top.

Useful Tips

- For perfect dough: Make sure the yeast is active. You can check this by adding it to a small bowl with warm water and a little sugar. If it forms bubbles, it’s ready to use.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat or vegetables, such as chicken, pepperoni, or bell peppers. You can also replace the ketchup with tomato sauce or pesto for a different flavor.
- Serving: This pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a refreshing drink, such as homemade lemonade or craft beer.

Nutritional Benefits

Pizza is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and eggs, while mushrooms and olives provide fiber and antioxidants. Whole wheat flour used in the dough can add extra nutrients and fiber, making it a healthier choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, using an amount of about 7 g.
- Can I prepare the dough a day in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Make sure to let it reach room temperature before using it.
- How can I store leftover pizza? Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispness.

This pastrama and mushroom pizza recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every moment of its preparation. Cooking is an art, and every pizza you create is a unique masterpiece! Enjoy your meal!