Extraordinary Pizza Crust

Extraordinary Pizza Crust Recipe from Italy | Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pizza is a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. One of the key components of a delicious pizza is the crust. In this recipe, we will be making an extraordinary pizza crust that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans. However, the modern pizza that we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. The pizza crust, in particular, has evolved over the years to become a key element of the dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp dry yeast
0.5 tsp sugar
2.67 cups warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
7.5 cups unbleached all purpose flour
0.25 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbsp coarse salt

How to prepare

Proof the yeast by dissolving it in 1 cup of warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast dissolves and the liquid becomes creamy.
Add the remaining water and 2 cups of flour, including the whole wheat flour. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and soupy. Let it stand for 15 minutes until it becomes bubbly and swollen.
Add salt and olive oil, then gradually stir in the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes stiff but still slightly sticky.
Once the dough starts to come together and hold its shape, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and let it rest.
In the meantime, clean and oil the bowl.
Knead the dough by turning it clockwise in quarter turns, sprinkling a little flour on top and underneath the surface before folding it over. Add just enough flour to prevent sticking and tearing.
When the dough becomes smooth, return it to the oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.
Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. It is now ready to be used.

Variations

Add herbs and spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
Substitute part of the water with beer for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to proof the yeast properly to ensure that it is active and will help the dough rise.

- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a chewy texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to bake the crust for a crispy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pizza crust with your favorite toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, and meats.

Cooking Techniques

Proofing the yeast

- Kneading the dough

- Allowing the dough to rise

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar

- Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pizza crust on a wooden board with a variety of toppings for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the pizza crust with a fresh salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 3g per serving

Saturated Fat: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 2% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains gluten

Summary

This pizza crust is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, while also providing some essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthier option for pizza lovers.

Summary

This extraordinary pizza crust recipe is sure to elevate your homemade pizza game. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and crispy crust that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha in her quaint little cottage. As soon as I walked in, the delicious aroma of pizza dough wafted through the air, making my mouth water.

Martha greeted me with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I’ve been experimenting with a new pizza crust recipe," she said excitedly. "Would you like to help me make it?"

Of course, I jumped at the chance. Martha handed me a worn, flour-dusted recipe card that she had inherited from her grandmother. The ingredients were simple – just flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar. But it was the method that intrigued me. The dough had to be kneaded until it was smooth and elastic, then left to rise for at least an hour before shaping and baking.

As we worked together, Martha shared the story of how her grandmother had learned this recipe from a neighbor who had immigrated from Italy. She described how the neighbor had patiently taught her the technique, emphasizing the importance of using good quality flour and allowing the dough to rest and develop flavor.

I listened intently, absorbing every detail. I had always loved baking, but pizza crust was a whole new world to me. I had never attempted to make it from scratch before, relying instead on store-bought dough or pre-made crusts. But Martha’s passion for homemade pizza inspired me to give it a try.

After the dough had risen and we had rolled it out into a perfect circle, we topped it with a simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkling of basil leaves. Into the hot oven it went, the tantalizing scent filling the kitchen as it baked to golden perfection.

When we finally sat down to enjoy our creation, I took my first bite and was blown away. The crust was light and airy, with just the right amount of chewiness and crispness. It was worlds apart from anything I had ever tasted before, a true labor of love that elevated the humble pizza to a gourmet delight.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged Martha to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent many afternoons together in her cozy kitchen, kneading dough, shaping crusts, and experimenting with different toppings. Each time we made pizza, I learned something new – the importance of letting the dough rest, the perfect ratio of ingredients, the art of stretching and shaping.

As I practiced and honed my skills, I began to make the recipe my own. I added a pinch of herbs to the dough, a drizzle of olive oil to the sauce, a scattering of roasted vegetables on top. I shared my creations with friends and family, who raved about my extraordinary pizza crust and begged for the recipe.

Years passed, and Martha’s cottage became a second home to me. We laughed and talked and baked together, creating memories that I will cherish forever. And through it all, the recipe for Extraordinary Pizza Crust remained a constant, a reminder of the magic that can happen when you combine simple ingredients with love and dedication.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of rising dough and bubbling cheese, I can’t help but feel grateful for the journey that led me here. From that first fateful day in Martha’s cottage to the countless pizzas I have made since, this recipe has been my guiding light, my culinary touchstone.

And as I take a bite of my latest creation, savoring the flavors and textures that I have perfected over the years, I can’t help but smile. Because in that moment, I know that I have truly captured the essence of Extraordinary Pizza Crust – not just in taste, but in spirit. And for that, I will always be grateful to my dear friend Martha and the neighbor who shared her treasured recipe.