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Homemade pizza is a culinary adventure that transcends cultures. In this recipe, we unlock the secrets of crafting your Italian-style pizza, rich in history and exploding with authentic flavours.
The secret to a great pizza lies in the dough. The perfect combination of flour, yeast, and olive oil creates a chewy yet crisp crust.
Crafting your pizza is a labour of love. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about the memories you create and the joy of sharing your homemade Italian masterpiece with loved ones.
Love at first slice, that’s the power of pizza
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Essentials:
To embark on the delectable journey of pizza baking, you’ll need a set of essential equipment and quality ingredients. The foundation of a great pizza starts with the dough, and a sturdy mixer or mixing bowl is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency. A pizza stone or a baking sheet will be your canvas for the ideal crust, ensuring it bakes to perfection. You can also use electric pizza oven. When it comes to sauce, a flavourful blend of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs will elevate your pizza to new heights. Fresh, high-quality mozzarella cheese is a must for that gooey, melty texture. Toppings vary based on personal preference, but a good set of sharp knives for slicing vegetables and meats, and pizza cutter adds to the efficiency of the process. Lastly, a pizza peel or a large spatula will assist in effortlessly transferring your creation to and from the oven. With these tools and top-notch ingredients, you’re well-equipped to craft a pizza masterpiece that will delight the senses.
Ancient Origins:
Pizza’s history can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Persians, who all had early forms of flatbreads topped with various ingredients.
Birthplace of Modern Pizza:
Naples, Italy, is often considered the birthplace of modern pizza. The Margherita pizza, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, was created in honour of Queen Margherita in the late 19th century.
International Icon:
Pizza is a global phenomenon, and it has been adapted to suit the tastes of different cultures worldwide. You can find unique and diverse pizza variations in nearly every country.
Margherita’s Colors:
The Margherita pizza’s three main ingredients—red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil—were chosen to represent the colours of the Italian flag.
Pizza Hut’s Space Delivery:
In 2001, Pizza Hut made history by becoming the first company to deliver pizza to space. They sent a pizza to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Russian rocket.
Busiest Pizza Day:
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the busiest pizza days in the United States. Many pizzerias experience a surge in orders during the game, making it a pizza holiday of sorts.
Guinness World Record:
The largest pizza ever made, according to the Guinness World Records, was created in Rome in 2012. It measured 13,580.28 square feet and used over 19,800 pounds of flour.
Unique Toppings:
While classic toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms are popular, creative variations exist worldwide. In Japan, for example, you can find pizzas topped with squid, mayonnaise, and seaweed.
World Pizza Capital:
The city of New York is often considered the pizza capital of the world, known for its classic thin-crust, foldable slices. Chicago, on the other hand, is famous for its deep-dish pizza.
Domino’s Pizza’s 30-Minute Guarantee:
In the 1980s, Domino’s Pizza had a famous 30-minute delivery guarantee, which was eventually discontinued due to safety concerns for their drivers.
Pizza Diplomacy:
Pizza has even been used as a tool of diplomacy. In 1987, during the Cold War, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev shared a pizza at a summit meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland.
These fascinating facts illustrate the rich history and global appeal of one of the world’s most beloved and versatile foods: pizza.
Homemade Pizza
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water for dough
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast for dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for dough
- 2 tbsp olive oil for dough
- 1 1/2 tsp salt for dough
- 1 tsp sugar for dough
- 1 can crushed tomatoes For Sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil For Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced For Sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano For Sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste For Sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives) for topping
Instructions
- Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until the dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Pizza Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (usually around 500°F/260°C) and place the pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape.
- Remove the hot stone or baking sheet from the oven. Place the rolled-out dough on it.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and add your choice of toppings.
- Carefully transfer the pizza back to the hot oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven for at least 30 minutes before placing the pizza on it.
- Get creative with your toppings. Classic Margherita, Meat Lovers, and Vegetarian are just a few of the endless possibilities.
Did you make this recipe?
Lovely. Now let me know how you liked it and how much of a cheat it was. Tag @olga.amara on Instagram and hashtag it #flightforfood.
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