How to Make Authentic Italian Pizza for Dinner

Making authentic Italian pizza at home is a delightful culinary experience that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dining table. With a few key ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a pizza that rivals those found in Naples. Follow this guide to learn how to make authentic Italian pizza for dinner.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Pizza

For a successful pizza, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:

• For the Dough: 500g of high-protein flour (Tipo 00 is ideal), 325ml of water, 2g of active dry yeast, and 10g of sea salt.
• For the Sauce: 400g of canned San Marzano tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and fresh basil.
• Toppings: Fresh mozzarella cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and any topping of choice (like prosciutto, arugula, olives, etc.).

Preparing the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water.

2. Gradually mix the yeast water into the flour until it forms a rough dough.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 2 to 4 hours at room temperature. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate it overnight for a more developed flavor.

Making the Sauce

1. Open the canned San Marzano tomatoes and crush them by hand in a bowl. This preserves the texture and flavor.

2. Add a pinch of salt and a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the sauce's flavor.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally around 250°C (482°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.

2. Divide the dough into 2 or 4 equal portions, depending on how large you want your pizzas.

3. On a floured surface, stretch each dough ball into a round shape using your hands, avoiding a rolling pin to maintain a light and airy crust.

4. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base, leaving the edges free for the crust.

5. Tear pieces of fresh mozzarella and distribute them evenly across the sauce. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for added flavor.

Baking the Pizza

1. Carefully transfer the prepared pizza onto the hot pizza stone or a baking tray.

2. Bake the pizza for about 7 to 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Finishing Touches

1. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute.

2. Add any additional toppings such as fresh arugula or slices of prosciutto for an authentic touch.

3. Slice and serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Tips for Authentic Italian Pizza

- Use high-quality ingredients: Authentic Italian pizza relies heavily on the quality of ingredients. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

- Experiment with dough fermentation: Longer fermentation times can enhance the flavor of your pizza dough significantly.

- Don’t overload toppings: Less is more in Italian cuisine. Allow the dough and sauce to shine by using a few quality toppings.

By following these steps, you can savor an authentic Italian pizza in the comfort of your home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is sure to please every palate.