What are the key ingredients for Neapolitan pizza?
The Neapolitan pizza dough is made with only a few basic ingredients:
- Italian ’00’ flour: This finely ground flour gives the dough a light and airy texture.
- Water: Use filtered water to ensure a clean and pure taste.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast or fresh yeast can be used to ferment the dough.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dough.
For the toppings, keep it simple and traditional. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil are the must-have ingredients for an authentic Neapolitan pizza.
What is the process of making Neapolitan pizza?
1. Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of Italian ’00’ flour, 325ml of water, 2g of yeast, and 10g of salt. Mix the ingredients until they form a loose dough. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise for at least 8 hours or overnight in a cool place.
2. Shape the dough:
Dust your work surface with flour and place the risen dough on it. Divide the dough into individual portions, usually around 200g each. Shape each portion into a round ball and let them rest for 1-2 hours to proof.
3. Stretch the dough:
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible or use a pizza stone in a grill. Take a dough ball and flatten it gently with your fingertips. Then, using your hands, stretch the dough evenly from the center to form a thin crust, leaving a slightly raised edge.
4. Add the toppings:
Spread a thin layer of San Marzano tomato sauce on the stretched dough, leaving space for the crust. Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute them over the sauce. Add a few fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
5. Cook the pizza:
If you have a wood-fired oven, cook the pizza directly on the oven floor for about 60-90 seconds until the crust puffs up and turns crispy. If using a regular oven, preheat a pizza stone and bake the pizza at the highest temperature for 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
6. Enjoy your Neapolitan pizza:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice it with a pizza cutter and savor the flavors of the authentic Neapolitan pizza right at home!
Now that you know the secrets of making the authentic Neapolitan pizza, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and delight your taste buds with this Italian classic. Buon appetito!