Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe: Unlocking the Flavors of the Mediterranean
Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe: Unlocking the Flavors of the Mediterranean
Italian cuisine is beloved for its rich and diverse flavors, and perhaps no dish captures the essence of Italian cooking quite like a traditional pizza. With its thin, crispy crust and vibrant toppings, authentic Italian pizza is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. In this recipe, we will explore the art of making a classic Italian pizza that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced tomatoes and olives for toppings
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Using your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or lightly greased baking sheet.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
- Arrange the slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the sliced tomatoes and olives.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish it with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice the pizza and serve it hot, allowing the flavors of the Mediterranean to transport you to Italy.
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