Pizza with cheese and garlic

Delicious Pizza: Simple and Versatile Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (or 2 large pizzas)

Welcome to the wonderful world of pizza! This Italian delicacy is not just a culinary dish but a gastronomic experience that brings friends and family together. The versatility of pizza allows everyone to express their creativity in the kitchen, and today I will guide you step by step to create a delicious cheese and garlic pizza with fresh and aromatic toppings.

A Brief History of Pizza

Pizza has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular invention that combines poverty with the richness of flavor. Its origins are closely tied to simple dough baked on stone, and over time, various ingredients have been added, transforming it into the dish we know and love today. Today, pizza is a symbol of Italian cuisine and a favorite worldwide.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:
- 2 and a half cups of white flour
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 200 ml of warm water
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- A pinch of cumin (optional)

Toppings:
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 100 g of feta cheese (or telemea)
- 100 g of Edam cheese (or mozzarella)
- 100 g of pitted olives
- 50 g of sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 200 ml of tomato juice (ideally homemade)
- Spices: basil, oregano, rosemary

Step by Step: Making the Pizza

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by sifting the white and whole wheat flour into a large bowl. This will help achieve a fine texture for the dough. In another bowl, liquefy the fresh yeast in 3-4 tablespoons of warm water from the total. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved.

2. Kneading
Add the liquefied yeast to the bowl with flour. Add the salt, the rest of the warm water, and the olive oil. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. At the end, you can add a pinch of cumin for extra flavor.

3. Rising the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball and make a deep cut in it with a knife. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and leave it in a warm place (next to the stove is perfect) for about 30 minutes until the dough doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the Toppings
While the dough rises, take this time to prepare the toppings. Wash the bell pepper and slice it thinly. Grate the feta and Edam cheese. Mix the sour cream with the 5 crushed garlic cloves to create a flavorful paste.

5. Shaping the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two or four pieces, depending on the desired pizza size. Line the pizza pan with parchment paper. Use your fingers to spread the dough evenly on the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.

6. Adding the Toppings
Spread the base with tomato juice seasoned with basil, oregano, and rosemary. Add a few tablespoons of the garlic sour cream, then sprinkle the grated cheese, bell pepper slices, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finally, you can drizzle a little tomato juice for extra flavor.

7. Baking the Pizza
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the crust becomes golden and crispy.

8. Serving
After the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. It can be served plain or alongside a fresh salad. Don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones!

Chef's Tip

An interesting variation you can try is to add meat to this pizza, such as ham or salami, if you prefer a heartier option. You can also experiment with other types of cheese depending on your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I achieve a crunchier crust?
To achieve a crunchier crust, make sure to use flour with a higher gluten content or you can preheat the pizza pan before adding the dough.

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. 25 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to about 8 g of dry yeast.

What are the nutritional values of a slice of pizza?
A slice of cheese and vegetable pizza has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese and fresh vegetables.

Perfect Combinations

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a green salad with lemon dressing or a glass of white wine. Additionally, fresh lemonade makes for a refreshing combination!

In conclusion, pizza is a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also allows for customization to your liking. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and let your creativity shine in the kitchen! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent together!