Neapolitan Pizza: Authentic Italian Delight Straight from Naples
Neapolitan Pizza is a classic Italian dish that hails from Naples. It’s known for its thin, soft crust that’s slightly charred from a blazing hot oven. Topped with simple yet high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, this pizza is a testament to the notion that less is more when it comes to flavor.
Ingredients:
– 500g bread flour
– 325ml water
– 10g salt
– 3g fresh yeast
– 300g San Marzano tomatoes (canned, crushed)
– 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Pinch of oregano (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour gradually, mixing by hand or with a dough hook on low speed.
3. Once combined, add the salt and continue to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).
4. Form the dough into a ball, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for at least 8 hours. For best results, allow it to rise for 24 hours.
2. Shaping the Dough:
1. After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest covered for another hour.
3. Prepping the Toppings:
1. Crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or with a fork until they are a smooth sauce.
2. Tear fresh mozzarella into small pieces and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 250°C/482°F). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
4. Assembling the Pizza:
1. On a floured surface, stretch each dough ball into a 10-12 inch round base, ensuring the edges are slightly thicker to form a crust.
2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each base.
3. Evenly distribute mozzarella pieces and fresh basil leaves on top.
4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of oregano (if using).
5. Baking the Pizza:
1. Transfer the assembled pizza onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or semolina.
2. Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
3. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is slightly charred and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
6. Serving:
1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
2. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy your authentic Neapolitan Pizza with its deliciously traditional toppings and perfectly charred crust!
The source of the article is from the blog mgz.com.tw