Quick Pizza

Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pizza is a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. This quick pizza recipe is perfect for those times when you're craving a homemade pizza but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. With a simple base and delicious toppings, you can have a tasty pizza ready to enjoy in no time.

History

Pizza has a long and rich history, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The modern pizza that we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It was originally a simple dish made with flatbread, tomato, and cheese. Over the years, pizza has evolved and now comes in many different variations and flavors.

Ingredients

For the base
8 oz/225 g self-raising flour
1 level teaspoon baking powder
half a teaspoon salt
0.25 pt (1.89 liter) milk
1 oz (28 g) butter
2 oz (57 g) hard cheese finely grated
For the topping
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium sized onion finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato purée
generous pinch of oregano
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Rub in the butter and add the grated cheese.
Stir in the milk and use a fork to mix until a rough dough forms in the basin.
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly until smooth.
Cover and let it rest in a cool place for 10 minutes while preparing the topping.
Heat the oil in a saucepan.
Add the onion and fry gently until softened but not browned.
Stir in the tomato puree, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Cook for a moment and then remove from heat.
Roll out the prepared scone dough into a 9-inch (23 cm) diameter circle.
Transfer the dough onto a greased baking tray.
Spread the tomato mixture evenly over the surface, reaching the edges.
Sprinkle with grated cheese and any other desired toppings.
Place in the center of a preheated oven (425°F/220°C/Gas Mark 7) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until well risen.
Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta.
Experiment with different herbs and spices for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough lightly to avoid making it tough.

- Preparing the toppings while the dough is resting can save time.

- Be creative with your toppings to customize your pizza to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the quick pizza with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough lightly will help create a tender crust.

- Preparing the toppings in advance can save time when assembling the pizza.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour.

- Any type of cheese can be used for the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- The toppings can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pizza on a wooden board or a pizza stone for a rustic look. - Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the quick pizza with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 200mg per serving

Iron: 2mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Gluten

Summary

This quick pizza recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of calcium and iron.

Summary

This quick pizza recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza without spending hours in the kitchen. With a flavorful base and tasty toppings, you can have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy in no time.

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 sunny day in the early spring, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and wrinkled sheets of paper, I came across a faded, hand-written recipe for Quick Pizza.

I had always been a lover of pizza, but had never attempted to make it from scratch before. The thought of creating my own homemade pizza from simple ingredients intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try. The recipe itself was quite basic, calling for just a few key ingredients that I already had in my pantry.

The instructions were clear and concise, written in a neat cursive script that reminded me of my grandmother's own handwriting. It was as if she had placed the recipe in the box specifically for me to find, a culinary gift from beyond the grave.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients – flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, tomato sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings I desired. As I mixed and kneaded the dough, I could feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and whispering words of encouragement.

The dough rose beautifully, doubling in size as it sat on the counter. I rolled it out into a thin circle, spreading tomato sauce and sprinkling cheese on top. I added sliced peppers, mushrooms, and pepperoni, making sure to distribute the toppings evenly.

As I slid the pizza into the hot oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The smell of baking dough and melted cheese filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I set the timer and waited, watching through the oven door as the crust turned golden brown and the cheese bubbled and melted.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the pizza out of the oven, the aroma filling the room and making my stomach growl in hunger. I sliced the pizza into wedges and served myself a steaming hot slice, the cheese stretching and oozing with each bite.

The first taste was pure bliss. The crust was crispy and chewy, the sauce tangy and flavorful, the toppings a perfect complement to the gooey cheese. I closed my eyes and savored each bite, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

From that day on, Quick Pizza became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet nights at home. Each time I pulled the recipe card out of the box, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love of cooking.

As I grew older and my own grandchildren began to show an interest in cooking, I made sure to teach them the recipe for Quick Pizza. I shared the story of how I had discovered the recipe and the memories it held for me, hoping that they too would feel a connection to their family's culinary heritage.

Now, as I sit at my kitchen table, writing down the story of how I learned to make Quick Pizza, I can't help but smile. The recipe may be simple, but the memories and traditions it represents are anything but. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it's a way to connect with our past, our present, and our loved ones. And for that, I am forever grateful.