Pizza with ham and salami

Ham and Salami Pizza: A Classic Recipe Perfect for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a slice of warm pizza topped with delicious ingredients? Ham and salami pizza is a simple and quick recipe that brings joy to family dinners or evenings with friends. This recipe is not only a burst of flavors but also an opportunity to showcase your culinary skills. Let's dive into making this delightful dish!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*

- 150 grams flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 10 grams fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

*For the sauce:*

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium onions
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 50 ml tomato juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- 200 grams salami
- 150 grams ham
- 5 medium mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper
- 100 grams grated cheese
- 2 eggs

Making the dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients for the dough. Make sure the yeast is fresh, as this is key to a fluffy and delicious dough.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the sugar and salt are evenly distributed.

3. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate – you'll notice foam forming on the surface.

4. Kneading the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast. Begin kneading, gradually adding the lukewarm water. Finally, add the olive oil. Continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

5. Letting the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Making the sauce

1. Sautéing the onions: In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn golden. This step will add a deep flavor to your sauce.

2. Adding the tomatoes: Once the onions are ready, add the tomato paste and tomato juice. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to taste. Let the sauce cool before using it.

Assembling the pizza

1. Preparing the topping ingredients: While the sauce cools, prepare the topping ingredients. Cut the salami and ham into cubes, slice the mushrooms thinly, and cut the red bell pepper into strips.

2. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the counter and roll it out into a round shape about 28 cm in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or simply your hands, making sure not to thicken the edges.

3. Assembling the pizza: Place the dough in a round baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread the tomato sauce over the surface of the dough, then add the salami, ham, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese on top and pour the beaten eggs mixed with a pinch of salt.

Baking the pizza

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (medium heat). Make sure it is well heated before placing the pizza inside.

2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 20-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Serving suggestions

Your ham and salami pizza is ready, and the aroma will fill the entire kitchen! You can serve it plain, but adding some fresh basil leaves or a few drops of flavored olive oil will enhance its flavor. A fresh green salad alongside the pizza will perfectly complement the meal, and a glass of tomato juice or a cold beer will turn this meal into a true celebration.

Tips and variations

- Topping variations: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. You can add olives, chili peppers, or even pineapple if you enjoy the sweet-salty combination.
- Using whole wheat flour: If you want a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. This will add a richer flavor and make the pizza more nutritious.
- Leftover dough: If you have leftover dough, you can make small rolls or mini pizzas. Simply form small balls from the leftover dough, let them rise, then bake them at 180°C for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional benefits

This ham and salami pizza is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. It provides protein from the ham, salami, and eggs, while the mushrooms and red bell pepper contribute vitamins and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, pizza can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 3 grams of dry yeast and add it directly to the flour.

2. How long can I keep the pizza?
The pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. How can I make the pizza healthier?
You can use healthier ingredients, such as low-fat cheese, lean meats, and plenty of vegetables. Additionally, you can opt for a whole wheat dough.

This ham and salami pizza recipe is easy to make and perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and put your personal touch on each pizza you prepare! Bon appétit!