Italian > Pizza

Pizza Pugliese with Tomato and Basil Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.

3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

4. Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves over the sauce.

5. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Season with salt and black pepper.

7. Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza.

8. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C)
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 630mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. You can also use gluten-free or cauliflower crust for a healthier option.
- Tomato sauce: You can use marinara sauce or any other tomato-based sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: You can use any type of tomato you prefer, such as Roma or heirloom tomatoes.
- Basil: You can use any fresh herb you like, such as oregano or thyme.
- Parmesan cheese: You can use any type of hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Mozzarella cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like, such as provolone or fontina.

Variations:
- Meat lovers: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or bacon to the pizza.
- Veggie lovers: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the pizza.
- Margherita: Use fresh mozzarella cheese and sliced fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet for best results.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the pizza.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread 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 leftover pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizza on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza stone for a rustic look.

Garnishes:
Garnish with additional torn basil leaves or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try baking the pizza for a few more minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, try broiling the pizza for a minute or two.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

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 slightly sweet flavor from the tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes, with a hint of freshness from the basil.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Fresh, Aromatic