Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden crust, feeling the softness of freshly melted mozzarella cheese, and tasting the sweetness of crushed tomatoes, all in perfect harmony. Welcome to the world of Pizza alla Napoletana, a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed streets of Naples. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can create this Italian masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our recipe and discover the secrets of this beloved Italian classic!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 250g pizza dough
- 200g crushed tomatoes
- 150g mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator 1 hour before preparation to allow it to come to room temperature and relax.
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting (ideally 450-500°C/842-932°F) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside. If using a home oven, preheat to the maximum temperature, typically around 250°C/480°F.
- Stretch the pizza dough gently by hand on a lightly floured surface. Use your fingertips to press from the center outwards, creating a thin circular base with a slightly thicker edge.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Do not overcook or season the sauce extensively to maintain the traditional Neapolitan style.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Distribute sliced mozzarella cheese evenly across the pizza, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet using a pizza peel or the back of a flat baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Allow the pizza to cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving to let the cheese set slightly.
Tips
- To ensure your Pizza alla Napoletana turns out authentically delicious, remember to: * Let your pizza dough come to room temperature before shaping to prevent a dense crust. * Preheat your oven to its highest setting to achieve a crispy, well-cooked base. * Don't overcook or overseason the tomato sauce to maintain the traditional Neapolitan flavor profile. * Handle the pizza dough gently to prevent tearing and ensure a delicate crust. * Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella cheese and extra virgin olive oil, to elevate the flavor of your pizza. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a Neapolitan-style pizza that will impress even the most discerning Italian nonna!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
