Pizza dough

Homemade pizza is more than just a culinary dish; it's an experience! Crafted with passion and patience, each bite brings a splash of tradition and the joy of cooking. Today, I will teach you how to make the perfect pizza dough, an essential foundation for any pizza lover.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: enough for 3 pizzas of 26 cm

Necessary ingredients

- 500-550 g type 00 wheat flour (or a good quality all-purpose flour)
- 10 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for balanced flavor)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (or lukewarm water, for a vegan option)
- 1 egg (optional, for a richer dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (adds extra flavor)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. High-quality flour is essential for an elastic and airy dough. If using fresh yeast, crumble it well before adding.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed. It is important that the salt does not come into direct contact with the yeast, as it can inhibit its activity.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the lukewarm milk. If you choose to use the egg, break it and add it now. The olive oil will be added later. Mix everything with a wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients start to come together.

4. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. A trick I use is to press the dough with the palm of my hand and then fold and roll it again. This helps develop the gluten, essential for the structure of the pizza dough.

5. Rising: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a clean bowl greased with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour and a half, or until it doubles in volume. You can check by gently lifting the wrap to see how it rises.

6. Shaping the pizza: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion with a rolling pin, forming a disc about 26 cm in diameter. You can use your fingers to give it a more rustic shape if you prefer.

7. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 250°C (or as high as your oven allows) with a pizza stone or baking tray inside. Add your favorite toppings and bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Helpful tips

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with whole wheat flour or add dried herbs (like oregano or basil) to the dough for extra flavor.
- Improving texture: If you want a pizza with a thinner and crispier crust, let the dough rise for less time and bake at a higher temperature.
- Vegan alternative: You can omit the egg and use water instead of milk. The dough will be just as tasty!

Nutritional information

One serving of this pizza dough (1/3 of the recipe) contains about 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of carbohydrates and, if you choose healthy toppings, it can become a nutritionally balanced dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. What type of flour is best for pizza?
Type 00 wheat flour is ideal for pizza, as it has a higher gluten content, which helps achieve a slightly elastic crust.

2. How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in volume and be soft and fluffy to the touch. If I press it and it springs back slightly, it's ready.

3. Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to make pizza, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving and combinations

Serve the pizza with a fresh tomato sauce or a garlic yogurt sauce. A crisp green salad on the side will add a nice contrast. I recommend choosing a craft beer or a light red wine to complement the culinary experience.

Homemade pizza is a perfect choice for a weekend evening or a gathering with friends. I encourage you to play with toppings and create combinations that reflect your personal style. Each pizza is a story, and you are its chef! Bon appétit!