Traditional Italian Pizza Recipe from Scratch: Delicious Dough and Savory Sauce

Traditional Italian Pizza Recipe

Pizza is one of the most famous Italian dishes that has won the hearts of people around the world. It is known for its variety of toppings that can be customized according to preference. In this recipe, we will guide you through how to make traditional Italian pizza using simple ingredients that reflect the authentic character of this beloved dish.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 500 grams of flour (preferably pizza flour or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 7 grams of instant yeast (or 25 grams of fresh yeast)
• 300 ml of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  

For the sauce:

• 400 grams of tomato sauce (you can use tomato paste or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of oregano (or any other Italian herbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

• 200 grams of mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces)
• 100 grams of pepperoni slices or grilled chicken pieces (optional)
• Vegetables such as tomatoes, green peppers, olives, or mushrooms (optional)

Preparation Method:

1. Preparing the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
• In a small bowl, dissolve the instant yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes active.
• Once the yeast is activated, add it to the flour mixture.
• Add olive oil and start kneading the dough with your hands or a mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour; if it is dry, add a little more water.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

1. Preparing the Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
• Add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to the saucepan and simmer.
• Add oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and is ready to use.

1. Shaping the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, divide it into small portions according to the size you prefer.
• On a floured surface, roll out the dough with your hands or a rolling pin to form a thin circle the size of your baking tray.
• Place the rolled-out dough on a greased baking tray or on parchment paper.

1. Adding the Sauce and Toppings:

• Spread a layer of sauce over the dough using a spoon, leaving the edges of the dough without sauce.
• Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices evenly on top of the sauce.
• Add your preferred toppings, such as pepperoni, vegetables (peppers, olives, tomatoes), and mushrooms.
• You can drizzle some olive oil on top for extra flavor.

1. Baking the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (450°F) before placing the pizza in.
• Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and starting to turn light brown.
• If you prefer a more well-done crust, you can leave it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

1. Serving:

• Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• Cut the pizza into slices and serve immediately.
• It can be served with a side of tomato sauce or even garlic sauce.

Tips for Customizing Your Pizza:

• You can add additional toppings such as tuna, shrimp, or peas for a different flavor.
• To enhance the sauce's flavor, add a little bit of fresh basil or black olives.
• If you prefer a very thin crust, roll out the dough thinner, and if you prefer a thicker crust, let it rise a bit more when shaping it.

Conclusion:

Traditional Italian pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick meal with friends. Each person can customize it to their own liking with a variety of ingredients.