What You’ll Need
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of “00” flour
- 600 ml (20 fl oz) of cold water
- 25 g (0.9 oz) of sea salt
- 2 g (0.07 oz) of fresh yeast
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by mixing the flour and salt together in a large bowl. In a separate container, dissolve the fresh yeast in the cold water until it has completely melted.
Step 2: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the flour and salt mixture. Slowly add the yeast-water mixture into the well, using your hands or a wooden spoon to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Step 3: Start Kneading
Once the ingredients are roughly combined, transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pushing and stretching it away from you with the heel of your hand.
Step 4: Develop the Gluten
Continue kneading the dough for about 10-15 minutes. This will help develop the gluten in the flour, giving the pizza dough its characteristic chewy texture. If the dough becomes too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on the surface.
Step 5: Check the Consistency
After kneading, the dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky, but not too wet. It should easily come off your hands and the clean surface.
Step 6: Rest the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 6 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop flavor.
Step 7: Divide and Shape
After the resting period, divide the dough into individual portions of about 200-250 grams (7-9 oz). Shape each portion into a ball by folding the edges towards the center and then rolling it underneath, using the side of your hand.
Step 8: Final Rise and Ready to Use
Place the dough balls on a floured tray or board, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rise for another 2 hours. Once they have doubled in size, they are ready to be stretched and topped with your favorite ingredients for baking.
Kneading traditional Neapolitan pizza dough is a simple but crucial step in making authentic Neapolitan pizza. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be rewarded with a soft, chewy, and delicious pizza crust that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!