The Perfect Pizza: A Classic Recipe with a Touch of Creativity
Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes around the world, and it’s no wonder. This delicious Italian dish is easy to prepare, customize, and share with friends and family. In this article, we’ll present a classic recipe for a mouthwatering pizza, along with some suggestions to add a touch of creativity and make your pizza unique.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of soft wheat flour
- 625 ml of warm water
- 10 g of dry yeast
- 10 g of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Tomato sauce (see recipe below)
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Toppings of your choice (see suggestions)
Tomato Sauce
- 2 kg of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm water and mix until a homogeneous dough forms.
- Add the olive oil and mix again.
- Let the dough rise for at least 1 hour in a warm place.
- Divide the dough into 2-3 parts, depending on the size of the pizza you want to achieve.
- Roll out each part of the dough into a thin circle, about 12 cm in diameter.
Tomato Sauce Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a 1 cm border.
- Add the sliced fresh mozzarella.
- Add your chosen toppings (see suggestions).
- Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 220°C for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the mozzarella is melted.
Topping Suggestions
- Prosciutto and mushrooms: a classic Italian combination
- Pepperoni and olives: a touch of spiciness and saltiness
- Vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions are just a few examples of delicious vegetables you can add
- Seafood: shrimp, calamari, and anchovies for a touch of the sea
- Cheeses: gorgonzola, parmesan, and ricotta for a combination of flavors and textures
Tips and Variations
- Use a refractory stone in the oven to achieve a crispy crust.
- Add a sprinkle of oregano or basil on the pizza before baking for a fragrant touch.
- Try using different types of flour, such as hard wheat flour or whole wheat flour, for a more robust flavor.
- Add a pinch of pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and customized pizza, suitable for any taste and occasion. We hope you find it helpful and enjoy experimenting with new ingredient combinations and flavors. Bon appétit