If you imagine biting into a pizza slice with a perfectly crisp crust, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, you would feel like you were right back in Naples. Thanks to its long history and variety of regional styles, Italian pizza is a culinary delight that has captivated people all over the world.
If you’re a pizza enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of this iconic dish, you’re in for a treat. In this beginner’s guide, you will learn about Italian pizza.
Ingredients to Make Italian Pizza
OO Flour
OO flour, doppio zero flour, is a finely ground Italian flour perfect for making pizza dough. This type of flour has a fine texture and high protein content, which helps create a dough that’s smooth, stretchy, and easy to work with. When you use OO flour, your pizza crust will have a light, airy texture with a crisp outer layer. It’s ideal for achieving the authentic taste and feel of Italian pizza.
Instant Yeast
Unlike active dry yeast, instant yeast doesn’t need to be dissolved in water before use; you can mix it directly with the flour. It works quickly and efficiently, making the dough rise faster and giving the crust a nice, airy texture.
Warm Water
Warm water is essential for activating the yeast and creating the right consistency for your dough. The water should be warm, not hot, ideally around 110°F (43°C). If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. Mixing warm water with the flour and yeast helps the dough come together smoothly and rise well, resulting in a delicious, well-textured pizza crust.
Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt enhances the taste of the dough and helps control the yeast activity, ensuring a good rise. Meanwhile, extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, smooth flavor and helps make the dough more pliable and easier to stretch. It also gives the crust a nice, golden-brown color and a slight crispiness when baked.
How to Make Italian Pizza
1. Prepare the Dough
First, you will need 2 cups of OO flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of raw olive oil. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until the mixture forms a dough.
2. Knead the Dough
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pressing it with the heel of your hand, folding it, and turning it. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Resting Time
After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This resting period allows the yeast to work, making the dough rise and become airy.
4. Make the Pizza
Once the dough has rested, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two portions if you want to make two pizzas. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin on a floured surface until you reach your desired thickness.
5. Add the Toppings
Put the dough that has been rolled out on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, making sure to leave a little space around the edges. You can put on your favorite things, like pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, vegetables, or fresh basil.
6. Cook the Pizza
Your oven should be heated up to its highest setting, which is usually around 475°F (245°C). It should be baked for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles. Watch out for it to not get burned. After it is done, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Then cut it up and enjoy your DIY Italian pizza!
Enjoy Your Italian Pizza Now
Whether you’re savoring a slice from a traditional pizzeria or crafting your own masterpiece at home, the flavors and traditions of Italian pizza are sure to delight. So dive into this culinary adventure, experiment with different styles and toppings, and most importantly, enjoy your Italian pizza now.
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