Pizza with tomato sauce

Pizza with tomato sauce – a classic and delicious recipe

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

Welcome to the savory world of pizza! This recipe will take you on a culinary journey filled with flavors, textures, and tastes that will delight your taste buds. Pizza is a versatile dish, loved by many cultures, each having its own variation, but today we will focus on a classic pizza with tomato sauce, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a party with friends.

Ingredients for the dough:

- 225 g flour (ideally type 00 for a finer texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cube fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Hot water (approximately 150 ml)

Ingredients for the tomato sauce:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 crushed garlic clove
- 200 g canned chopped tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, depending on the season)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- A pinch of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Ingredients for the topping:

- 1 egg (for a golden crust)
- 100 g grated cheese (preferably mozzarella or a cheese blend)
- Ham, bacon, salami, mushrooms, olives, sausages, tomatoes, bell peppers (choose your favorite toppings!)

Preparing the dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. If using dry yeast, make sure to activate it in warm water for 5 minutes before adding it to the ingredients.
2. Add the olive oil and start incorporating the hot water gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface. The dough should be elastic and not stick to your fingers.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, until it doubles in size.

Preparing the tomato sauce:

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir well, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Check the consistency from time to time and stir if necessary.
3. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaf and let it cool slightly.

Assembling the pizza:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (almost maximum).
2. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin or your hands until you achieve a round shape. Transfer it to a pizza pan greased with oil.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Then, add your favorite toppings: ham, bacon, salami, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, bell peppers – use your imagination!
4. Beat the egg and lightly brush it on the edge of the crust to achieve a golden color when baked. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the toppings.
5. Bake the pizza in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted and browned slightly.

Serving and suggestions:

After removing the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it with a drizzle of olive oil on top or fresh basil if you like.

This pizza with tomato sauce is perfect to be accompanied by a fresh green salad or a light red wine, which will enhance the flavors of the ingredients. Additionally, a cold beer can be an excellent choice for a relaxing evening.

Useful tips:

- If you want to personalize your pizza, you can add spices like oregano, basil, or chili for a more intense flavor.
- Instead of regular flour, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier option.
- You can use a pizza stone in your oven, which will help achieve an even crispier crust.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g and activate it in warm water for 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.

2. What can I do with leftover pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or in a pan to restore its crispiness.

3. Can I freeze pizza?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked pizza. Wrap it well in aluminum foil and keep it in the freezer. When you want to consume it, thaw it and bake it in the oven.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you can start preparing this delicious pizza with tomato sauce. Every bite will be an explosion of flavors, and your friends and family will surely be impressed. Enjoy your meal!