Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Introduction
Neapolitan pizza is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Naples. It is known for its thin and crispy crust, simple yet flavorful toppings, and the use of fresh ingredients. Making Neapolitan pizza at home may seem daunting, but with the right recipe and technique, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making authentic Neapolitan pizza step by step.
Ingredients
To make Neapolitan pizza, you will need the following ingredients:
For the dough:
– 500 grams of “00” flour
– 325 milliliters of lukewarm water
– 10 grams of salt
– 3 grams of active dry yeast
For the sauce:
– 400 grams of San Marzano tomatoes (canned)
– 1 clove of garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
– Fresh mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Optional: toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, olives)
Instructions
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making Neapolitan pizza:
Step 1: Prepare the dough
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture.
4. Gradually mix the flour and water together until a dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for at least 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Crush the San Marzano tomatoes with your hands and add them to the saucepan.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Step 3: Shape and bake the pizza
1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (usually around 500°F or 260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
3. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each portion of dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
4. Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.
5. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce.
7. Add any additional toppings you desire, such as sliced tomatoes or mushrooms.
8. Drizzle some olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper.
9. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
10. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully made a delicious Neapolitan pizza from scratch. The combination of the crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and fresh toppings will surely delight your taste buds. Remember to experiment with different toppings and techniques to make this traditional Italian dish your own. Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan pizza with family and friends, and savor the authentic flavors of Italy. Buon appetito!