Italian pizza recipe step by step

Authentic Italian Pizza: A Taste of Italy in Your Kitchen**

Italian pizza, renowned for its simplicity and exquisite flavors, is a culinary masterpiece cherished worldwide. Making a genuine Italian pizza from scratch is a delightful adventure that brings the taste of Italy to your home. In this blog, we'll guide you through a traditional Italian pizza recipe that captures the essence of this beloved dish.

The Essence of Italian Pizza

Italian pizza, particularly the Neapolitan variety, is characterized by its minimalism. The focus is on using high-quality ingredients and perfecting the basics: a thin, tender crust, a light tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a few, well-chosen toppings. Let's begin with the two fundamental components: pizza dough and tomato sauce.

 Perfecting the Pizza Dough

**Ingredients:**

- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast

- 1 teaspoon of sugar

- 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

- 2 1/2 cups of Italian "00" flour (if available) or all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

- 1 teaspoon of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the yeast:**

   - In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. **Mix the dough:**

   - In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

   - Knead the dough on a floured surface for around 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.

3. **Rising time:**

   - Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Mastering the Tomato Sauce

**Ingredients:**

- 1 can (14 oz) of whole San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand for an authentic touch)

- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

- Salt and sugar to taste

- Fresh basil leaves

- Extra virgin olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the garlic:**

   - In a saucepan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

2. **Add the tomatoes:**

   - Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and sugar.

   - Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

3. **Add fresh basil:**

   - Tear fresh basil leaves into the sauce just before it's done. This adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the sauce.

 Assembling and Baking Your Italian Pizza

1. **Prepare the oven:**

   - Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 500°F or 260°C) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside.

2. **Stretch the dough:**

   - On a floured surface, gently stretch your dough to your desired thickness. Place it on a piece of parchment paper.

3. **Top with sauce and ingredients:**

   - Spoon a light layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Scatter fresh mozzarella cheese and any desired toppings.

4. **Bake:**

   - Slide the pizza (still on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

5. **Final touches:**

   - After 10-12 minutes, your pizza will be golden and bubbling. Remove it from the oven, add a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil leaves.

6. **Slice and Savor:**

   - Wait for a minute, then slice your masterpiece into wedges and relish the authentic taste of Italian pizza.

Embracing the simplicity of Italian pizza allows the true flavors of the ingredients to shine. The perfect combination of a thin, chewy crust, fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and a touch of olive oil and basil creates a pizza that transports you straight to Italy.

So, why not embark on a culinary journey to Italy from the comfort of your own kitchen? With a few basic ingredients and a dash of passion, you can master the art of Italian pizza-making and enjoy a slice of Italy with every bite. Buon appetito!