Pizza with salami

Pizza with Salami and Cheese - A Delight to Cook at Home

Pizza is more than just a simple culinary dish; it is an experience that combines flavors, textures, and moments of indulgence, bringing people together around the table. This salami and cheese pizza recipe is not only simple but also quick, perfect for weekend evenings or to impress friends at a gathering. I will guide you step by step, providing all the necessary details to achieve a perfect dough and a delicious combination of ingredients.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 3 cups flour (about 450 g)
- 100 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (choose a quality oil for better taste)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)

For the topping:
- 10 slices of salami (choose quality salami, such as Sibi salami or spicy salami)
- Cheese and cheese (150-200 g, depending on preferences)
- Spicy ketchup (or classic ketchup, according to preferences)
- 2 tomatoes (fresh, for a more intense taste)
- A few olives (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast and pour the lukewarm water over it. Gently mix until the yeast dissolves completely. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until the dough begins to form.

2. Kneading the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but avoid overdoing it to prevent the dough from becoming too hard.
- Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

3. Preparing the Topping:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the topping ingredients. Cut the salami into small cubes or slices, according to your preferences. Grate the cheese and cheese, slice the tomatoes thinly, and slice the olives.

4. Assembling the Pizza:
- Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C if you have a fan oven).
- Grease a rectangular baking tray with a little oil and dust it with flour. Then, stretch the dough with your hands until you get a shape that fits the tray.
- Spread the ketchup evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a little space at the edges.
- Evenly distribute the pieces of salami, followed by the grated cheese and cheese. Place the slices of tomatoes and olives. You can also add a few whole slices of salami for appearance and taste.

5. Baking:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving
- Cut the pizza into slices and serve it warm, with spicy ketchup on the side for those who want an extra kick. A cold beer pairs wonderfully with this pizza, providing a pleasant contrast.

Practical Tips
- Proportions and Variations: Vary the toppings according to your preferences; add mushrooms, peppers, or green olives for a different experience. You can also replace the salami with other cold cuts or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Dough: If you want a crispier dough, let it rise for less time or bake the pizza at a higher temperature. Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or spelt flour.
- Freezing: The pizza can be frozen. To freeze it, bake the dough for 10 minutes, add the toppings, then freeze before fully baking it. Then, when you want to consume it, bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with 7 g of dry yeast. In this case, mix the dry yeast directly into the flour.

- Can the pizza be made without ketchup?
Absolutely! You can use tomato sauce or even a white sauce based on sour cream for a different flavor.

- How can I add extra flavor?
Add spices like oregano, basil, or chili to the dough or on the pizza for enhanced taste.

Salami and cheese pizza is a versatile dish that is easy to customize. With this recipe, you are on your way to creating a delicious pizza that will brighten any meal. Enjoy your meal!