White pizza

Bread is a symbol of comfort and tradition, a food that connects us to the times when every dough preparation was a little magic. However, today’s recipe is not just about bread; it is a culinary journey that reminds us of cherished moments spent in childhood when the aroma of fresh bread filled our hearts with joy. Today, we will explore a simple yet flavorful artisanal bread recipe that transforms into a delicious pizza - pizza blanca with onions and garlic.

Preparation Time
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour (or more, if you prefer)
- Baking time: 10-15 minutes
- Total: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 servings

Ingredients for Bread
- 1 kg of flour
- 600 ml warm water
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoons of salt

Ingredients for Pizza Blanca
- 2 white onions
- 1 red onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Pizza spices (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 200 g grated cheese

Steps for Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Bread Dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast cube and honey to 100 ml of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential for activating the yeast and ensuring a fluffy bread.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt, mixing well. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form.
3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 2: Letting it Rise
1. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving airy and fluffy bread.

Step 3: Preparing the Pizza Filling
1. Preparing the onions and garlic: While the dough rises, peel and slice the onions thinly and the garlic into slices. If you want a more intense flavor, you can finely chop the garlic.
2. Sautéing: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the white onion, red onion, and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and slightly browned. This process will intensify the flavors and provide a delicious base for the pizza. Finally, add the pizza spices and mix well, allowing the flavors to combine for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Shaping the Pizza
1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C, so it’s ready for baking the pizza.
2. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two. Roll each piece into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. Bake a pizza base with a thin layer to achieve a crispy crust.
3. Adding the filling: Evenly spread the onion and garlic filling over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, allowing it to melt and brown nicely during baking.

Step 5: Baking the Pizza
1. Baking: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check occasionally to avoid burning.

Chef’s Tip
If you want to add a personal touch to the pizza, try adding some black olives or chili peppers for a burst of flavor. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a variety of tastes.

Final Note
Artisanal bread and pizza blanca are perfect to be served alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing drink. A combination of white wine or craft beer will perfectly complement meals with friends or family.

Nutritional Benefits
This artisanal bread recipe offers a rich content of complex carbohydrates from flour, while the onions and garlic provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Freshly baked bread at home is a healthier alternative to store-bought baked goods, having a lower content of preservatives.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of flour can I use? You can use white flour, but also whole wheat flour or a combination of both, to achieve a unique texture.
- Can I freeze the bread? Yes, the bread can be frozen very well. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.
- How long does it take to make the dough? If you already have the dough prepared, the whole process can take less than an hour.

Possible Variations
To experiment with flavors, you can add fresh or dried herbs to the bread dough, such as rosemary or dill. You can also turn this dough into an excellent base for focaccia by adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs.

Artisanal bread is more than just food; it is an experience, a way to share special moments with loved ones. So get ready to enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe that will bring a touch of nostalgia and joy in every bite!