Pizza Napoletana Recipe
Pizza Napoletana is a traditional Italian pizza featuring a thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Ready in just 90 minutes, this classic recipe is perfect for a taste of authentic Italy.
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin or hands for stretching
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup San Marzano tomatoes crushed
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella sliced
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat up.
Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, hand-stretch each portion into a 10-12 inch round.
- Place the dough on parchment paper.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve hot with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Variation: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serving Tip: Serve Pizza Napoletana with a glass of Italian red wine for a perfect pairing.
