Rustic pizza is a delicacy that brings to mind family meals and moments spent around a table filled with flavors and joy. This simple and delicious recipe is based on a dough that is easy to prepare in a bread machine, making it accessible even for those who don't have much time but want to indulge in a homemade pizza. Let's discover together how to make the perfect rustic pizza, step by step!
Preparation time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Fermentation time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for an intense flavor)
- 240 ml warm water (about 37°C, to activate the yeast)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt (helps develop flavors)
- 480 g wheat flour (ideal for bread or pizza, with medium gluten content)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (ensures a fluffy texture)
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for a delicious finish)
- 100 g salami (choose a quality salami for better taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (for a savory sauce)
- 100 g country ham (or any preferred ham)
- 75 g sliced olives (green or black, based on preference)
- 150 g grated cheese (you can use mozzarella for a creamier texture)
- 1 raw egg (to bind the ingredients)
- 1 boiled egg (sliced, for an appetizing look)
- 7-8 cherry tomatoes (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (or Herbes de Provence, for a Mediterranean flavor)
- a pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
For greasing the tray:
- Olive oil
- Flour
Step by Step
1. Preparing the dough
Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine in the following order:
- Olive oil
- Warm water
- Salt
- Flour
- Dry yeast
Select the pizza dough program on your bread machine and let it work its magic. If you don't have a bread machine, you can mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead by hand.
2. Fermenting the dough
Once the machine has finished its cycle, the dough should be elastic and slightly sticky. Let it rest in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Shaping and preparing the topping
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn it out. Roll it out using your fingertips or a rolling pin, depending on your preference, until you achieve a round or rectangular shape suitable for your tray.
4. Preparing the tray
Grease the tray with olive oil and sprinkle a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the dough in the tray and gently press it against the edges.
5. Adding the ingredients
- Brush the dough with olive oil and tomato paste, leaving a little space around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire surface.
- Add slices of salami and ham, sliced olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of boiled egg.
- Beat the raw egg with a pinch of salt and pour it over all the ingredients.
6. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Once the temperature is reached, place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
7. Serving
After the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut it into slices and serve warm. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor!
Practical tips
- Flour: Choose a flour with a gluten content of 11-13%, ideal for achieving elastic and fluffy dough.
- Yeast: Ensure the yeast is fresh. If you're unsure, you can test it by placing a teaspoon of yeast in a bowl with warm water and a bit of sugar. If it forms foam in 5-10 minutes, it's active.
- Toppings: You can experiment with various toppings, such as vegetables, different cheeses, or even anchovies, to customize your rustic pizza to your taste.
Nutritional benefits
Rustic pizza is a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs and cheese, as well as fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. However, it's best to consume it in moderation, considering the fat content from the salami and ham.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
- How can I make a vegan pizza?
Substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and omit the boiled egg.
- Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it, let it ferment, then refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before using it.
Serving recommendations
This rustic pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a glass of red wine that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Additionally, lemonade or a fruit cocktail can provide a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Rustic pizza is more than just a meal; it's an experience that combines flavors, textures, and memories. Perfect for an evening with friends or a family dinner, this easy recipe will have you coming back for more. So, don’t hesitate, gather your ingredients, and prepare a delicious pizza filled with love and flavor!
Preparation time:
- Active time: 20 minutes
- Fermentation time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for an intense flavor)
- 240 ml warm water (about 37°C, to activate the yeast)
- 1.5 teaspoons salt (helps develop flavors)
- 480 g wheat flour (ideal for bread or pizza, with medium gluten content)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (ensures a fluffy texture)
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for a delicious finish)
- 100 g salami (choose a quality salami for better taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (for a savory sauce)
- 100 g country ham (or any preferred ham)
- 75 g sliced olives (green or black, based on preference)
- 150 g grated cheese (you can use mozzarella for a creamier texture)
- 1 raw egg (to bind the ingredients)
- 1 boiled egg (sliced, for an appetizing look)
- 7-8 cherry tomatoes (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (or Herbes de Provence, for a Mediterranean flavor)
- a pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
For greasing the tray:
- Olive oil
- Flour
Step by Step
1. Preparing the dough
Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine in the following order:
- Olive oil
- Warm water
- Salt
- Flour
- Dry yeast
Select the pizza dough program on your bread machine and let it work its magic. If you don't have a bread machine, you can mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead by hand.
2. Fermenting the dough
Once the machine has finished its cycle, the dough should be elastic and slightly sticky. Let it rest in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Shaping and preparing the topping
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn it out. Roll it out using your fingertips or a rolling pin, depending on your preference, until you achieve a round or rectangular shape suitable for your tray.
4. Preparing the tray
Grease the tray with olive oil and sprinkle a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the dough in the tray and gently press it against the edges.
5. Adding the ingredients
- Brush the dough with olive oil and tomato paste, leaving a little space around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire surface.
- Add slices of salami and ham, sliced olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of boiled egg.
- Beat the raw egg with a pinch of salt and pour it over all the ingredients.
6. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Once the temperature is reached, place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
7. Serving
After the pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut it into slices and serve warm. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor!
Practical tips
- Flour: Choose a flour with a gluten content of 11-13%, ideal for achieving elastic and fluffy dough.
- Yeast: Ensure the yeast is fresh. If you're unsure, you can test it by placing a teaspoon of yeast in a bowl with warm water and a bit of sugar. If it forms foam in 5-10 minutes, it's active.
- Toppings: You can experiment with various toppings, such as vegetables, different cheeses, or even anchovies, to customize your rustic pizza to your taste.
Nutritional benefits
Rustic pizza is a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs and cheese, as well as fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. However, it's best to consume it in moderation, considering the fat content from the salami and ham.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
- How can I make a vegan pizza?
Substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and omit the boiled egg.
- Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it, let it ferment, then refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before using it.
Serving recommendations
This rustic pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a glass of red wine that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Additionally, lemonade or a fruit cocktail can provide a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Rustic pizza is more than just a meal; it's an experience that combines flavors, textures, and memories. Perfect for an evening with friends or a family dinner, this easy recipe will have you coming back for more. So, don’t hesitate, gather your ingredients, and prepare a delicious pizza filled with love and flavor!