Tuna pizza

Quick Tuna and Cheese Pizza - A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Number of Servings: 2 large pizzas

Who doesn't love a warm, delicious, steaming pizza with tempting toppings? This quick tuna and cheese pizza recipe is perfect for those evenings when hunger strikes and you need a tasty yet easy-to-make dish. Plus, the dough comes together quickly, and the tomato sauce can be customized to your taste! Let's get started!

A Brief History of Pizza

Pizza has a fascinating history, being a traditional dish that has evolved over time. Although recipes vary, the basic ingredients have remained constant: dough, sauce, and toppings. Today, pizza is a symbol of togetherness, enjoyed with family, at parties, or simply on weekend evenings. So, let’s enjoy this simple and delicious recipe together!

Ingredients for the Dough

- 2 cups of flour (about 250 g)
- 100 ml warm water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 25 g fresh yeast

Ingredients for the Tomato Sauce

- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (about 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for a more balanced flavor)
- salt and pepper (to taste)

Ingredients for Topping

- 1 can of tuna (about 200 g, drained)
- grated cheese (preferably mozzarella or cheddar, but you can also use feta)
- lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
- spicy ketchup (for serving, optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Pizza

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the 25 g of fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to make your dough fluffy.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the 2 cups of flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make a small crater in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Letting it Rise
Once the dough is well-kneaded, place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. The dough should double in size.

4. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Meanwhile, you can prepare the tomato sauce. In a food processor, add the can of tomatoes in juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

5. Shaping the Pizza
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll each piece of dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on the shape of your pizza pan. Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C in fan mode).

6. Preparing the Pan
Grease the pizza pan with a little olive oil and dust it with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the rolled-out dough in the pan, making sure to create a slightly raised edge to hold the toppings.

7. Adding the Sauce and Toppings
Evenly spread the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a free edge. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, then add the drained tuna. You can also add slices of onion, bell pepper, or olives if you enjoy a more complex flavor.

8. Baking the Pizza
Place the pan in the oven and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. It already smells fantastic, doesn’t it?

9. Serving the Pizza
Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. You can drizzle with lemon juice for a fresh taste. Serving with spicy ketchup adds a bit of kick, so feel free to use it if you like!

Nutritional Benefits
This quick tuna and cheese pizza is not only delicious but also has nutritional benefits. Tuna is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Additionally, cheese provides calcium, and the tomato sauce is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier dough, but you might need to adjust the amount of water.

2. How can I customize the toppings?
You can add fresh vegetables, salami, mushrooms, or even pineapple, depending on your tastes.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to make the pizza, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Ideal Pairings
This pizza pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a dry white wine. Additionally, homemade lemonade can perfectly complement the meal.

Tips for a Perfect Result
- Use quality ingredients, especially for cheese and tomatoes, for an exceptional taste.
- If you want a crispier pizza, you can pre-bake the base for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy this quick tuna and cheese pizza, perfect for any occasion. Bon appétit!