SO machst DU zuhause BESSERE PIZZA als 97% aller Pizzerien!

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of making pizza at home that surpasses 97% of pizzerias. Luigi, an experienced pizzaiolo from Napoli, shares his secrets for crafting the perfect dough, sauce, and toppings. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or just looking to elevate your cooking skills, these step-by-step instructions will help you create an exceptional pizza experience in your kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Creating the perfect pizza dough is essential. Follow these measurements and steps:

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 kg of flour (with 12g protein per 100g)
   • 700 ml of cold water
   • 30 g of salt
   • 2-3 g of yeast (depending on the warmth of your environment)
   • 30 g of olive oil

2. Mixing:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and yeast.
   • Gradually add the cold water while mixing with your hands or a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Add salt and olive oil, and knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Fermentation:

   • Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 1-2 hours at room temperature, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

A great pizza needs a delicious sauce. Here’s how to make it:

1. Ingredients:

   • Use high-quality canned tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes are recommended).
   • Optional: Salt, olive oil, and fresh basil for seasoning.

2. Making the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, crush the canned tomatoes by hand to break them down.
   • Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
   • Mix well and set aside. Avoid cooking the sauce before using it on the pizza for a fresher taste.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

To achieve a crispy crust, preheating your oven is critical.

1. Temperature:
   • Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 250°C or 482°F).
   • If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This helps achieve a better crust.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Proper shaping of the dough is crucial for a great pizza.

1. Dividing the Dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 3-4 equal pieces, depending on the size of the pizzas you want.

2. Shaping:

   • On a floured surface, take one piece of dough and gently stretch it into a round shape using your hands. Avoid using a rolling pin, as it can deflate the dough.
   • Aim for a thicker edge for the crust and a thinner center.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Choose your toppings wisely to enhance flavor.

1. Sauce:

   • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the shaped dough, leaving the edges clear for the crust.

2. Cheese and Other Toppings:

   • Add fresh mozzarella cheese and any other toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, fresh basil, etc.).
   • Be careful not to overload the pizza, as this can make it soggy.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Baking is where magic happens.

1. Using a Pizza Stone:

   • If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the stone using a pizza peel.
   • Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

2. Using a Baking Sheet:

   • If you don’t have a stone, place the pizza on a preheated baking sheet.
   • Bake for the same amount of time, monitoring closely to avoid burning.

Conclusion

With these steps, you'll be able to create a pizza at home that rivals that of professional pizzerias. Remember to focus on quality ingredients and take your time with each step, especially when preparing the dough. Enjoy your homemade pizza and feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors for a unique twist!