Homemade Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza, a culinary treasure that hails from Naples, Italy, is much more than just a meal; it is a cultural emblem deeply ingrained in the heart of Italian cuisine. Renowned for its simplicity and authenticity, this dish showcases the beauty of high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. With a thin, soft crust that is slightly charred and a delightful balance of flavors, Neapolitan pizza has won the hearts of food lovers around the globe, making it a staple in both pizzerias and home kitchens.

Discover the art of making Classic Neapolitan Pizza right in your own kitchen! This recipe highlights the essential ingredients, including high-quality 00 flour, vibrant San Marzano tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all baked at high temperatures for that perfect crust. Embrace the simplicity and authenticity of this Italian treasure as you learn to shape, sauce, and bake your pizza. Enjoy a delicious and cultural culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour (preferably 00 flour)

325ml (1⅓ cups) lukewarm water

1 tsp active dry yeast

10g (2 tsp) sea salt

1 tsp sugar (optional, to activate yeast)

For the Sauce:

400g (14 oz) canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any good quality canned tomatoes)

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves

For the Toppings:

250g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces

Fresh basil leaves

Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.

- Mix until combined, and then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce:

- In a blender, combine the canned tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and some fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky, depending on your preference.

- Adjust seasoning, if necessary, and set aside.

Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually 475-500°F / 250-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

Shape the Pizza:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2-4 equal portions, depending on the size of your pizzas.

- On a floured surface, stretch each portion into a round shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Try to keep the edges slightly thicker for the crust.

Assemble the Pizza:

- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of the sauce over the base, leaving about half an inch around the edges.

- Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella pieces on top.

Bake the Pizza:

- Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone (or a baking sheet) in the oven.

- Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browning.

Garnish and Serve:

- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and, if you like, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

- Slice your homemade Neapolitan pizza and serve hot. Enjoy the incredible flavors and aroma of Italy right in your kitchen!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 2-4 pizzas