Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup Crescenza cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. Place the pizza dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Brush the dough with olive oil.
5. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
6. Sprinkle the Crescenza cheese, black olives, and red onion over the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil.
10. Slice and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, serving 2-4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- Tomato sauce: You can use marinara sauce or any other tomato-based sauce.
- Crescenza cheese: You can use any soft cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese.
- Black olives: You can use any type of olives or omit them altogether.
- Red onion: You can use white or yellow onion or omit them altogether.
- Fresh basil: You can use dried basil or any other fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Meat lovers: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or bacon to the pizza.
- Veggie lovers: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pizza.
- Margherita: Use fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil for a classic Margherita pizza.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to preheat the oven and pizza stone or baking sheet for best results.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as it can make the crust soggy.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the pizza.
- Serve the pizza with a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the pizza, place it on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden board or pizza tray for a rustic look.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too thick, roll it out thinner next time.
- If the crust is too thin, use more dough next time.
- If the pizza is too greasy, use less cheese or blot the toppings with a paper towel before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the pizza reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.
Food history:
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century and has since become a popular dish worldwide.
Flavor profiles:
This pizza has a savory and tangy flavor from the tomato sauce and Crescenza cheese, with a hint of sweetness from the red onion and black olives.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish or appetizer.
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Region: Italian