Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup Neapolitan ragù sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
3. Spread the Neapolitan ragù sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
5. Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
8. Cut into slices and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 450°F (230°C)
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- Neapolitan ragù sauce: You can use any tomato-based pasta sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone or fontina.
- Parmesan cheese: You can use any hard, salty cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Basil: You can use any fresh herb, such as oregano or thyme.
Variations:
- Meat lovers: Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni to the pizza.
- Veggie lovers: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions to the pizza.
- Margherita: Omit the ragù sauce and top the pizza with sliced fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pizza stone or baking sheet is hot before placing the pizza on it to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a light hand when spreading the sauce and toppings to avoid a soggy pizza.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza peel for a rustic look.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try baking the pizza for a few more minutes or placing it under the broiler for a minute or two.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, try adding it to the pizza halfway through the baking time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pizza dough is cooked through and the cheese is melted before serving.
Food history:
- Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century.
- Ragù sauce is a traditional meat-based sauce from the Bologna region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The Neapolitan ragù sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the pizza, while the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provide a creamy, salty contrast.
- The fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pizza with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Barbera.
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Region: Italian