Pizza like at the pizzeria

Pizza like at the pizzeria: A delicious recipe for unforgettable moments

Welcome, dear cooks! Today, I will share with you a pizza recipe that rivals the best pizzerias. Pizza is a versatile dish that has won the hearts of many, and the secret lies in the perfect dough, made with love and patience. I will detail each step of the recipe so that you achieve impeccable results, even without sugar, milk, or dry yeast. It's time to prepare to become true pizza masters!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2-3 hours (plus 4-5 hours for the second rise)
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 6-8 hours (including rising time)
Number of servings: 3 large pizzas

Ingredients

For the pizza dough:
- 480 g flour W (type 00 flour or bread flour, also known as American flour or Manitoba)
- 280 ml warm water
- 25 g fresh yeast (a small cube)
- 8-10 g salt

For seasoning:
- Tomato sauce (freshly made or store-bought)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dried oregano or basil
- Salami, wurstel, cooked prosciutto
- Mozzarella or provoletta, cottage cheese, parmesan
- Olives (optional)
- French fries (optional)

A note about ingredients

To achieve perfect pizza dough, it is essential to use high-quality flour. Flour W has a high gluten content, which helps create an elastic and crispy texture. Fresh yeast is a key ingredient, as it will provide the dough with even rising and authentic flavor. The water should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.

The history of pizza

Pizza, a dish with deep roots, originates from the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. Over time, pizza has evolved, adapting to local tastes and ingredients, but its essence has remained the same: the risen dough, flavorful sauce, and varied toppings. It is a dish that brings people together, perfect for gatherings with family or friends.

Step by step for a pizzeria-style pizza

1. Activating the yeast: In a bowl, add the warm water and dissolve the cube of yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, a sign that the yeast has started to activate.

2. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, weigh the flour and add half of it to the bowl with water and yeast. Use a mixer to mix the ingredients for one minute until you achieve a homogeneous composition, similar to sour cream. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes until it doubles in volume.

3. Forming the dough: After the dough has risen, add the remaining flour and salt, mixing gently. Remove the mixer and start kneading with your hands until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. If it is too dry, wet your hands with water and knead until it becomes smooth.

4. First rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours. The longer it rises, the tastier it will be.

5. Forming dough balls: After it has risen, turn the dough out onto a work surface and cut it into 3 equal parts. Shape each piece into a ball, gently flattening the dough with your palm.

6. Second rise: Grease 3 plates with olive oil and place one ball of dough in each. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 4-5 hours. If you wish, you can leave the dough in the fridge until the next day for an even better flavor.

7. Stretching the dough: When ready to prepare the pizzas, remove the dough from the plates. Place it on a floured work surface. Using your fingers, gently flatten the dough to form the pizza base. Carefully stretch it out, being careful not to break the air bubbles. Ideally, you should use your hands, not a rolling pin, to maintain the airy texture.

8. Seasoning the pizza: Place the stretched dough in the greased baking tray or on the parchment paper. Add tomato sauce, season with oregano, and add your favorite toppings: salami, prosciutto, olives, cheese, etc. Be creative! You can even add French fries for a unique twist.

9. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to maximum, around 250 degrees Celsius. Place the pizza in the upper part of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it is nicely browned. If desired, you can cover the pizza with aluminum foil to prevent the toppings from burning.

10. Wood-fired pizza: If you have a wood-fired oven, heat it to 400 degrees Celsius. You can bake the pizza in just 5-10 minutes, being careful to turn it with a paddle to prevent burning.

11. Serving: Once baked, cut the pizza into slices and enjoy it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a glass of chilled white wine. Pizza is perfect for a dinner with friends or a family movie night.

Variations and useful tips

- If you want a spicier pizza, add a few slices of hot pepper.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a more interesting flavor.
- For a lighter meal, you can use fresh vegetables as toppings, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast?
- I recommend fresh yeast for the best results, but if you don’t have it, you can use dry yeast. Be sure to adjust the amount (about one-third of the amount of fresh yeast).

2. How can I store pizza dough?
- The dough can be stored in the fridge, covered, for 24 hours. You can also freeze it for later use, but be sure to let it thaw completely before using.

3. What sauces can I use instead of tomato sauce?
- You can try pesto sauces, yogurt sauce, or even cheese-based sauces, depending on your preferences.

4. What is the best way to reheat pizza?
- To keep the crust crispy, reheat the pizza in the oven or on a skillet, not in the microwave.

I conclude this guide hoping that you will try to make this pizza at home. I assure you that the result will meet your expectations, and the aroma and taste will delight you and your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!