Are you dreaming of that perfect Neapolitan pizza – the kind with a chewy, airy crust, a slightly charred base, and a taste that transports you straight to Italy? Forget takeout! This recipe unlocks the secret to achieving that restaurant-quality pizza at home, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy. We’re making a 3-day Neapolitan pizza dough, allowing for slow fermentation that develops incredible flavor and texture. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 500g strong bread flour (00 flour is ideal, but strong bread flour works well)
- 350g lukewarm water
- 10g fine sea salt
- 5g active dry yeast (or 15g fresh yeast)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
Day 1: Mixing and First Rise
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and active!
- Combine ingredients: Add the flour and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry about kneading it perfectly at this stage.
- Bulk fermentation: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature (around 70-75°F) for about 4-6 hours, or until noticeably doubled in size. This is where the magic happens; the yeast is busy working its wonders!
Day 2: Stretching and Folding
- Gentle handling: Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Avoid overworking it.
- Stretching and folding: Perform a series of "stretches and folds." This strengthens the gluten and develops the dough's structure. To do this, gently stretch a portion of the dough, then fold it over itself. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat this process several times. About 4-6 folds should suffice.
- Second rise: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature for another 4-6 hours, or until nearly doubled again.
Day 3: Shaping, Baking, and Enjoying!
- Divide and shape: Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Final proof: Place the dough balls on a piece of parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until almost doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (ideally 500°F or higher, even using a pizza stone will help reach high temperatures).
- Prepare your pizza: Lightly flour your work surface and gently stretch each dough ball into a 12-inch circle (or your desired shape). Transfer the dough to a pizza peel sprinkled with semolina or cornmeal.
- Top and bake: Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately: Slice and serve your delicious homemade Neapolitan pizza while it's hot!
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- Water temperature: Lukewarm water is crucial for activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill it; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Flour type: 00 flour is traditional for Neapolitan pizza, but strong bread flour provides a good alternative.
- Don't overwork the dough: Gentle handling is key to a light and airy crust.
- High oven temperature: A scorching hot oven is essential for that characteristic Neapolitan char.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or basil into the dough for extra flavor.
- Experiment with flours: Try using a blend of different flours for a unique texture and taste.
- Different toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try prosciutto, arugula, mushrooms, or your favorite combinations.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on your toppings. A basic cheese pizza will have approximately:
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Enjoy the process of making this incredible pizza, and savor every delicious bite! This easy recipe for healthy meals is perfect for quick dinner ideas and will impress even the most discerning pizza lovers. It’s a delicious dish and one of the best recipes you'll ever make. Happy baking!