Sourdough pizza

Sourdough Pizza – A Homemade Delight

Who doesn't love a well-baked pizza, with a fluffy and crispy crust, topped with favorite ingredients? If you're a cooking enthusiast, you've certainly heard of sourdough, that natural leavening agent that provides an unmistakable flavor and perfect texture to the dough. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a sourdough pizza that will transform your ordinary evenings into moments of culinary indulgence.

Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus fermentation time)
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 24 hours (including fermentation)
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

- 220 ml water (at room temperature)
- 350 g white flour (ideal for bread)
- 7 g salt (preferably sea salt)
- 30 g active sourdough (make sure it is well-fed)
- 360 ml homemade pizza sauce (tomato sauce, garlic, sautéed onion, basil, oregano, and olive oil)
- 300 g grated cheese (you can also use mozzarella for a creamier taste)

A Bit of History

Sourdough is a traditional method of fermenting dough that dates back thousands of years. Using natural microorganisms that develop in the surrounding environment, sourdough not only provides flavor but also a slightly elastic texture, perfect for pizza or bread. This recipe will show you how to use sourdough to achieve a pizza crust that will impress even the most discerning foodies.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Sourdough Pizza

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 220 ml of water with 30 g of active sourdough. Use a spatula or fork to mix well until the sourdough is completely dissolved.

2. Gradually add 350 g of white flour. Mix by hand or with a spatula until you obtain a sticky dough. It is important not to add too much flour, as you want a moist dough.

3. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit for 30 minutes. This stage is called autolyse and helps develop gluten.

Step 2: Adding the Salt

1. After 30 minutes, add the salt and start kneading the dough. If you have a food processor, now is the time to use it! Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Shape the dough into a ball and brush it with a little olive oil. Place it in a generously oiled round bowl.

3. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plastic bag and put it in the fridge for 24 hours. If you have patience, you can let the dough ferment for up to 6 days, resulting in an even more intense flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the Pizza

1. The next day, take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 250°C (or as high as your oven allows). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

3. On your work surface, sprinkle some flour and roll out the dough with a rolling pin or with your hands until you achieve a round shape. Make sure the crust is not too thin, so it doesn't tear.

4. Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or the preheated pizza stone.

5. Spread the homemade pizza sauce on the pizza crust, leaving a 1-2 cm edge. Add the grated cheese on top.

Step 4: Baking

1. Bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the crust is crispy.

2. Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. You can add some fresh basil leaves on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This sourdough pizza can be customized according to your preferences. You can add toppings like mushrooms, prosciutto, bell peppers, or olives. You can also try a chili pizza sauce for a bit of spice!

For a complete experience, serve the pizza with a glass of red wine or a craft beer. This will perfectly complement the intense flavors of your pizza.

Nutritional Information

This sourdough pizza is a healthier option compared to commercial ones, featuring natural ingredients and no additives. On average, a serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the chosen toppings. Whole grain flour, which you can use instead of white flour, provides additional fiber and nutrients, making the pizza not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use yeast instead of sourdough? Yes, you can use fresh or dry yeast, but the taste and texture will be different. Sourdough provides a distinctive flavor and a lighter dough.

- What if I don't have time to ferment the dough for 24 hours? You can let the dough ferment for 4-6 hours at room temperature, but the result will be less complex.

- How can I store leftover dough? If you don’t use all the dough, you can freeze it. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, thaw it and let it come to room temperature before using it.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Sourdough pizza is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring you the joy of creating something delicious at home. Enjoy!