Pizza Recipes and Cooking Strategy

 Pizza Recipes and Cooking Strategy

The Art of Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza, known for its simplicity and rich flavor, hails from Naples, Italy. This iconic pizza has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide with its thin, soft crust, and authentic toppings. What makes Neapolitan pizza truly unique is its adherence to traditional techniques and ingredients that have been passed down through generations.

What Makes Neapolitan Pizza Special?

The hallmark of Neapolitan pizza lies in its dough, which is made with just four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. The dough is hand-stretched to achieve a thin, airy crust that puffs up beautifully when cooked. The pizza is then topped with San Marzano tomatoes—grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius—fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Cooking Neapolitan pizza requires a high-temperature oven, traditionally wood-fired, reaching up to 900°F (485°C). This intense heat cooks the pizza in just 60-90 seconds, resulting in a slightly charred crust with a soft and chewy texture.

Full Recipe for Neapolitan Pizza

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500g Type 00 flour
• 325ml lukewarm water
• 15g sea salt
• 3g active dry yeast

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours.
2. Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Toppings: Crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or with a fork, and season with salt and pepper. Slice the mozzarella and set aside.
4. Shape the Pizza: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally with a pizza stone inside. On a floured surface, take one dough ball and gently stretch it into a 10-12-inch round, leaving the edges slightly thicker for the crust.
5. Assemble the Pizza: Place the stretched dough on a pizza peel or a floured baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Add slices of mozzarella and a few basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 60-90 seconds if using a wood-fired oven, or 7-9 minutes in a conventional oven, until the crust is golden and slightly charred.
7. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, add more fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Neapolitan pizza is a delightful blend of history, tradition, and culinary excellence. With its simple yet profound flavors, it continues to be a beloved favorite for pizza lovers around the world.