September 1, 2024

Slice of Heaven: Crafting the Perfect Pizza at Home.

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The story of pizza stretches back to ancient times, with civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks crafting flatbreads topped with simple herbs and oils. However, the pizza we know and love today—bursting with flavors—was born in Naples, Italy, during the late 18th century. It’s a slice of heaven topped with nature’s finest!

Ingredients List (Serving Size: 2 Medium Pizzas)

[1 Teaspoon = 5ml, 1 Tablespoon = 15ml, 1 Cup = 236ml]

All purpose Flour [3 Cups]
Sugar [1½ teaspoons]
Salt [To Taste]
Olive Oil [2¼ Tablespoon]
Dry Yeast[2½ Teaspoon]
Lukewarm water around [1 Cup – 110F]
Canned Tomato Puree [1 Cup]
Dried Oregano [1 Teaspoon]
Italian Herb Mix [1 Teaspoon]
Crushed Red Chilli Flakes [To Taste]
Dried Basil [1 Teaspoon]
Pepper [1/2 Teaspoon]
Minced Garlic [6 – 8 Lobes]
Optional: Onion Powder
Toppings [Fresh basil leaves, pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced onions, black olives, banana peppers, spinach, ham, bacon crumbles, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, pineapple, grilled chicken, feta cheese]
Mix any 3 equal portions of shredded cheeses for a signature blend which I call it as a tri-cheese [Mozzarella, Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Permesan, etc.]

Tools Required

Pizza Tray
Oven
Piza Cutter
Ladle
Turner

Instructions

Dough Prep:

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine sugar(sugar helps yeast to get activated) and yeast with lukewarm water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until a frothy layer forms, indicating active yeast.
Enhance the Dough: For extra flavor, mix in Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and red chili flakes with the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add flour and knead until a soft dough forms. Once it’s almost done, incorporate 1¼ tablespoons of olive oil and continue kneading. Let the dough rise for 3 hours (or refrigerate for 6-8 hours for even better texture and taste).

Tomato Base Sauce Prep:

Use canned tomato puree for consistency. Add minced garlic, Onion powder(optional), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, a pinch of sugar (To balance all the flavours), and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix thoroughly for a well-balanced sauce.

Oven Setup:

Preheat the oven to 400-450°F (250-260°C).

Shape the Dough:

Divide the dough in half, then roll each portion into a round pizza base, using a bit of flour to prevent sticking. Place the shaped dough onto a pizza tray.

Assemble:

Add Sauce: Gently spread the tomato sauce over the pizza base with a ladle.
Layer Cheese: Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded tri-cheese over the sauce.
Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, then cover them with more cheese.

Where Magic Begins:

Bake: Place the pizza tray in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. Use a turner to check the crust.
Finishing Touches: Once baked, garnish with seasonings like oregano or chili flakes. Slice with a pizza cutter and enjoy!

Signature Topping Combinations

Margherita: Fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, tomato sauce, olive oil.
Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni.
Veggie Supreme: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, black olives, spinach
Hawaiian: Ham, pineapple, Becon Crumble (Personal Favourite)
BBQ Chicken: Grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, cilantro
Mediterranean: Feta cheese, olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach

Create your masterpiece and delight in the magic of homemade pizza! Perfect for gatherings, family fun, or indulging in a slice of pure bliss.

Nutrition Values

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/8 of 1 Medium Pizza)	Per Medium Pizza (8 slices)	Total (2 Medium Pizzas)
Calories	250-350 kcal	2000-2800 kcal	4000-5600 kcal
Total Fat	10-15 g	80-120 g	160-240 g
Saturated Fat	4-6 g	32-48 g	64-96 g
Cholesterol	15-30 mg	120-240 mg	240-480 mg
Sodium	400-600 mg	3200-4800 mg	6400-9600 mg
Total Carbohydrates	30-40 g	240-320 g	480-640 g
Dietary Fiber	2-4 g	16-32 g	32-64 g
Sugars	3-5 g	24-40 g	48-80 g
Protein	10-15 g	80-120 g	160-240 g

* This nutritional report is an estimate and can vary depending on the exact quantities and specific brands of ingredients used *

Key Nutritional Points

Calories: Each slice contains approximately 250-350 calories, depending on the toppings and cheese used.
Fat: The combination of cheese and olive oil contributes to a total of 10-15 grams of fat per slice.
Carbohydrates: The pizza dough and sauce provide 30-40 grams of carbohydrates per slice.
Fiber: Depending on the toppings and use of whole grain flour, each slice can contain 2-4 grams of dietary fiber.
Protein: The cheese and any meat toppings contribute to about 10-15 grams of protein per slice.

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