Pizza

Delicious homemade pizza recipe with fresh ingredients

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large pizzas

Welcome to the fascinating world of cooking! Today, I will show you how to make a delicious homemade pizza using simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to enjoy a relaxing evening at home or impress friends at a party. Each bite will be an explosion of flavors, and the fluffy dough will be the perfect base for your favorite toppings.

A bit of history
Pizza has a rich and fascinating history, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Over time, it has evolved from a simple bread with various toppings to an iconic dish loved worldwide. Our pizza today will bring a personal touch, combining simple ingredients to create a delicious meal worthy of the finest restaurants.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml warm water
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the toppings:
- 200 ml tomato sauce
- 200 g salami (or other preferred cold cuts)
- 2 bell peppers (sweet or hot, as preferred)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 200 g grated cheese (or mozzarella, for extra creaminess)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients. In another container, dissolve the yeast in warm water, letting it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This will be the base of our dough.

2. Kneading the dough
Add the yeast mixture to the flour, along with the 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Using your hands, start kneading the dough. Knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Cooling the dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for two hours. This step will help the dough rise and become fluffier.

4. Preparing the baking tray
After the dough has chilled, remove it and divide it into two equal pieces. Prepare a baking tray by dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

5. Shaping the first pizza
Take the first piece of dough and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a sheet about 1 cm thick. Place it in the prepared tray.

6. Adding the toppings
In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with a little water to thin it out. Spread this mixture over the dough, making sure it is evenly covered. Then, place slices of salami, bell peppers, and tomatoes on top. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and drizzle with a little olive oil. The final step is to add the grated cheese on top for a golden and delicious crust.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C with fan). Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts beautifully.

8. Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink to complete the culinary experience.

Practical tips
- If you want an even fluffier dough, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to the yeast mixture. This will help the yeast ferment better.
- Experiment with toppings! You can add mushrooms, olives, caramelized onions, or even pineapple for a tropical touch.
- Instead of sauce, you can use pizza sauce for a more intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for this dough?
Yes, but the dough will have a different texture and will require more water.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
There are many options, such as hot peppers, corn, or even fresh basil leaves.

3. Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Sure! You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition and calories
One serving of pizza (1/8 of the pizza) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the toppings. It provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, especially if you use quality olive oil.

Possible variations
- Vegetarian pizza: use soy cheese and plenty of fresh vegetables.
- Spicy pizza: add hot peppers and spicy salami for a more intense flavor.
- Seafood pizza: replace salami with shrimp or squid for a more sophisticated version.

So, don’t wait any longer! Embrace the culinary adventure and prepare this delicious homemade pizza that will bring joy to your tables! This simple and versatile recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy!