Pizza with zucchini, cheese, and ham

Zucchini, Cheese, and Ham Pizza

Who doesn't love a delicious pizza with fresh, flavorful ingredients? Zucchini, cheese, and ham pizza is a perfect combination that blends rich tastes and varied textures, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is not only simple but also healthy, thanks to its nutritious ingredients and preparation method.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 500 g whole wheat flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- 325-350 ml warm water
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt, to taste

For the topping:
- 1 small zucchini
- tomato sauce (homemade)
- 150 g homemade ham
- chili pepper, to taste
- 100 g cheese (or cheese, according to preference)
- olive oil for drizzling

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 360 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough
Start by dissolving the dry yeast in 100 ml of warm water, adding the sugar and a tablespoon of flour. Set the mixture aside for 10-15 minutes until it starts to bubble. This step is crucial, as the activated yeast will ensure a fluffy and delicious pizza.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the olive oil and begin mixing, gradually adding the remaining warm water until you achieve an elastic dough. It's important not to add all the water at once, as the required amount may vary depending on the moisture of the flour.

3. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough on a lightly oiled surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and easily pulls away from your hands. This step is essential for developing the gluten, which will give the dough the desired texture.

4. Letting the dough rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This fermentation process is what transforms the dough into a fluffy delight!

5. Preparing the tomato sauce
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the tomato sauce. Simmer the tomatoes with oregano and a diced chili pepper until they soften. Then, blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth sauce. This tomato sauce will add a fresh and delicious flavor to your pizza.

6. Preparing the zucchini
Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for a few minutes, then sauté it in a pan without oil to remove excess moisture. This step will help prevent a soggy pizza.

7. Assembling the pizza
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Roll out the dough on an oiled surface to your desired size, then place it in a pizza pan or a regular baking tray. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, then layer the zucchini rounds, slices of ham, sliced chili pepper, and cheese cubes. Drizzle everything with a little olive oil for added flavor.

8. Baking the pizza
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Delicious aromas will fill the kitchen, and the smell will be irresistible!

9. Serving
Once the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it with a fresh salad on the side or, for an extra flavor boost, with a garlic yogurt sauce.

Tips and variations:

- You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to diversify the toppings.
- Instead of cheese, try feta or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- If you enjoy a spicier taste, add more slices of chili pepper or even a splash of chili sauce.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! White flour will provide a lighter texture to the dough, but whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.

2. How can I store leftover dough?
You can freeze the dough in portions, wrapping it well in plastic wrap. When you want to use it, let it thaw and rise again.

3. What is the secret to a perfect pizza?
A well-kneaded dough that has risen sufficiently, along with fresh ingredients, is the key to success.

This zucchini, cheese, and ham pizza recipe is not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile. You can experiment with different ingredients and combinations, adapting it to your tastes. Enjoy every bite and cherish the time spent in the kitchen, as cooking is an art that deserves every moment dedicated to it!