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!