Pizza with ham, salami, and cheese

Pizza with ham, salami, and cheese: a culinary journey into the universe of flavors

Who doesn't love a slice of freshly baked pizza? This pizza with ham, salami, and cheese is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it on a movie night at home or preparing it for a party with friends, this recipe is sure to win you over. Let's begin our kitchen adventures!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 50 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- a pinch of salt

Ingredients for the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste diluted with a little water
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling:
- ½ onion
- 30 g salami (about 4-5 slices)
- 40 g ham (about 2 slices)
- 120 g salty cheese
- Oregano, thyme, pepper to taste

Let's get started!

1. Preparing the starter: The first step is to prepare the starter. In a bowl, combine the fresh yeast with the sugar and a few tablespoons of warm water. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. Then add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix until smooth. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes until the starter becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the dough: Once the starter has risen, gradually add the remaining water and flour (in a rain-like manner) and a pinch of salt. It is important not to add all the flour at once, just as much as needed. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, pushing it from the outside in. You will notice that the dough becomes elastic and soft. Let it rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the sauce: Meanwhile, let's prepare the sauce. Finely chop the garlic cloves and mix them with the diluted tomato paste. Add the chili paste (if you want a spicier flavor) and olive oil. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

4. Preparing the filling: Slice the onion into thin strips and cut the salami and ham into slices. You can crumble or cut the cheese into cubes, depending on your preference. This filling mixture will give your pizza a special flavor.

5. Assembling the pizza: After the dough has risen, place it in a 22 cm diameter baking tray. Spread it out with your hands so that it evenly covers the bottom of the tray. Pour the sauce on top and place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes.

6. Adding the filling: Once the crust starts to brown, remove the tray from the oven and place the onion, ham, salami, and cheese on top. Sprinkle oregano, thyme, and pepper to taste. Put the tray back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden.

7. Serving: The pizza is ready! Remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut it into slices and serve warm. It is delicious alongside a fresh salad or a cold beer!

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different fillings: mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, or even pineapple, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a crispier pizza, you can use a pizza stone instead of a tray.
- Add fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to enhance the flavor.

Nutritional information:
This pizza is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, thanks to the flour and cheese. Additionally, the tomato sauce provides antioxidants and vitamins. It is important to consume pizza in moderation, considering the calorie content that can vary depending on the ingredients chosen.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount. Typically, 10 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to about 3 g of dry yeast.

2. What can I do if I don't have pizza flour?
You can use regular flour or whole wheat flour, but the texture of the pizza may be slightly different.

3. How can I store leftover pizza?
You can keep the pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.

4. What drinks go well with pizza?
Pizza pairs wonderfully with beer, white or red wine, but also with refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced teas.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to experiment and enjoy every delicious slice! Bon appétit!