Homemade Pizza
Homemade Pizza Recipe from Italy with Ground Beef and Green Pepper
Introduction
Pizza is a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. This homemade pizza recipe allows you to create a delicious and customizable pizza right in your own kitchen. From the dough to the toppings, you have full control over the ingredients and flavors in this classic dish.
History
Pizza has a long and rich history, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The modern pizza that we know today, with its tomato sauce and cheese toppings, originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. Since then, pizza has become a staple in many cultures and is enjoyed in various forms around the globe.
Ingredients
- 1 package (0.25 oz or 7 g) of active dry yeast
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1 and 0.25 cup of warm water (110° to 115°)
- 0.25 cup of canola oil
- 1 tsp of salt
- 3 and 0.5 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 0.5 lb (227 g) of ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) of tomato sauce
- 3 tsp of dried oregano
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- 1 medium green pepper, diced
- 2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Add oil and salt to the bowl. Stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Press each half into a greased 12-inch pizza pan.
- Combine the tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Spread the mixture over each crust.
- Top the crusts with the cooked beef mixture, green pepper, and cheese.
- Bake the pizzas at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned.
Variations
- Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust option.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to let the dough rise properly to ensure a light and airy crust.
- Pre-cooking the beef and onion ensures that they are fully cooked and do not release excess liquid onto the pizza.
- Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your own unique pizza creations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade pizza with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough properly is key to achieving a light and airy crust.
- Pre-cooking the beef and onion ensures that they are fully cooked and do not release excess liquid onto the pizza.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast.
- Feel free to use your favorite vegetables and meats as toppings.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This homemade pizza pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this homemade pizza contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this homemade pizza contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this homemade pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this homemade pizza contains approximately 20 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This homemade pizza is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
Alergens
This homemade pizza contains gluten and dairy.
Summary
This homemade pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This homemade pizza recipe allows you to create a delicious and customizable pizza right in your own kitchen. With a light and airy crust, flavorful toppings, and a good mix of nutrients, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique pizza creations.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.
On that particular day, Maria pulled out a well-worn cookbook from her shelf and flipped through the pages, searching for a specific recipe. "Ah, here it is," she exclaimed, pointing to a page that was covered in splatters of tomato sauce and cheese.
"This is my family's recipe for homemade pizza," Maria said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's been passed down for generations, and I'm excited to share it with you."
I watched intently as Maria gathered the ingredients and began to explain each step of the process. The dough had to be kneaded just right, the sauce had to be simmered to perfection, and the toppings had to be carefully arranged. It was a labor of love, but the end result was always worth it.
As we enjoyed our delicious homemade pizza that evening, I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her family's secret with me, and she simply smiled and said, "Cooking is all about sharing and creating memories with loved ones."
From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the art of making homemade pizza. I experimented with different toppings, adjusted the sauce to my liking, and even tried making my own fresh mozzarella cheese. Each time I made a pizza, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.
Over the years, I have shared my homemade pizza with friends and family, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I even started hosting pizza nights at my house, inviting guests to customize their own pizzas with an array of toppings and sauces.
One of my favorite memories was when my grandchildren came over for a sleepover and we spent the evening making pizza together. They rolled out the dough, slathered on the sauce, and sprinkled on the cheese with glee. It warmed my heart to see them enjoying the process as much as I did, knowing that I was passing on a beloved family recipe to the next generation.
As I look back on all the memories that have been created around homemade pizza, I am filled with gratitude for the simple yet profound joy that cooking has brought into my life. It is more than just a recipe – it is a way of connecting with others, of sharing a piece of yourself through food.
So, the next time you gather around the table with your loved ones, consider making a homemade pizza together. It may just become a tradition that you cherish for years to come, just like it has for me. After all, as Maria once told me, cooking is all about sharing and creating memories with loved ones. And what better way to do that than with a delicious slice of homemade pizza?