Italian pizza is a beloved culinary masterpiece known for its simple yet rich flavors. Making a traditional pizza from scratch may seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create an authentic Italian experience in your kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a classic Margherita pizza.

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1. The Essentials: Ingredients for Traditional Italian Pizza

Dough Ingredients

  • Flour: 500g of type 00 flour (or all-purpose flour as a substitute)
  • Water: 325ml lukewarm water
  • Yeast: 7g active dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
  • Salt: 10g fine sea salt
  • Olive Oil: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Topping Ingredients

  • Tomato Sauce: 300g canned San Marzano tomatoes
  • Mozzarella: 250g fresh mozzarella (preferably buffalo mozzarella)
  • Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil

2. Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Mixing the Ingredients

  1. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

Kneading the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
  2. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Proofing

  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth.
  2. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Step 2: Preparing the Tomato Sauce

  1. Blend the canned San Marzano tomatoes into a smooth sauce.
  2. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for flavor.
  3. No need to pre-cook the sauce; the oven will do the work.

4. Step 3: Shaping the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (typically 250°C or 480°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
  2. Divide the dough into 2–3 portions for individual pizzas.
  3. Roll or stretch each portion into a thin circle, about 30 cm in diameter.

5. Step 4: Assembling the Pizza

  1. Place the dough on parchment paper or a pizza peel.
  2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  3. Tear the mozzarella into small pieces and scatter it over the sauce.
  4. Add a few fresh basil leaves.
  5. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

6. Step 5: Baking the Pizza

  1. Transfer the pizza to the oven or onto the preheated pizza stone.
  2. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
  3. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving.

7. Tips for Authentic Italian Pizza

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, quality olive oil, and authentic mozzarella elevate your pizza.
  • Keep It Simple: Traditional Italian pizza is all about minimalism. Avoid overloading with toppings.
  • Experiment with a Wood-Fired Oven: If you have access to one, it gives the pizza a unique smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Making a traditional Italian pizza from scratch is a rewarding experience. With a few quality ingredients and some basic techniques, you can enjoy an authentic taste of Italy in your own home. Try it for your next pizza night and impress your family and friends!

Source: https://nutrition-me.org