One of the greatest successes in Italian cuisine is undoubtedly the pizza, a dish wish has won over young and old from all five continents. Wherever you go in the world it is always easy to find someone - maybe with interesting local variations - who makes a good pizza. Are you ready to create a special version using a proper starter dough, which you will then enjoy with your guests, a genuine homemade pizza with its triumph of authentic flavours and aromas? Have you ever heard of starter dough, or ever seen it made? Don’t worry because our friend Renato Bosco - a pizza maker - has thought of everything and prepared a detailed step-by-step guide to help you achieve an incredibly fragrant pizza, the queen of the culinary specialties of Southern Italy!
* approximate values per serving
Put the flour, the mature starter dough, the yeast and water in a food mixer. Knead thoroughly. Then add salt and oil. The dough is finished when you get a nice elastic ball. Put it in a container to rise before making the individual balls for each pizza. When it has risen, pull the dough gently with your fingertips giving the pizza a round shape, leaving a ridge. Top with tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, capers and salami. Then bake at 300°C for 3-4 minutes.
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Raise the dough for 4 hours before rolling out
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Add to the starter to the dough, mix and then add oil and salt
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Combine the flour, water, yeast and mix well
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Pizza dough made with a starter, mozzarella, anchovies, capers, tomatoes, spicy sausage
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Spread out the dough with your hands
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Spread out the tomato sauce in a circular motion
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Add the mozzarella torn into pieces by hand
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Add the caper and anchovies in circles
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Add the salami, then put in a pre-heated oven at 290°C for a few minutes until nice and crispy
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One of the tastiest variations of classic pizza with southern flavors is certainly the pizza with sausages. This dish, rich in flavor and tradition, is prepared using the same biga-based dough, but with the addition of fresh sausages. The combination of tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and sausages creates a perfect balance between freshness and savoriness. To get the most out of your dough, make sure the sausage is of high quality and well-spiced. The final result will be a pizza with a high and soft crust, enclosing a succulent and flavorful filling. This dish is ideal for a family dinner or a night with friends, and it will bring a touch of authenticity from Campania directly to your table.
Neapolitan pizza is a true symbol of Campanian culinary tradition. By using the biga dough preparation, a perfect, light, and digestible base is achieved. The slow and natural fermentation of the dough gives it a unique texture, while baking in a wood-fired oven enhances the flavors of fresh ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. To prepare Neapolitan pizza, don't forget to work the dough by hand, creating a high and well-defined crust. This dish is a tribute to the gastronomic tradition of Naples and represents a perfect balance between simplicity and the quality of ingredients.
For those who want to enjoy pizza without too many calories, the light version of classic pizza with biga dough is an excellent choice. By using whole grain flours and reducing the amount of oil and cheese, a lighter and more digestible dough can be achieved. Additionally, the toppings can be enriched with fresh vegetables, such as zucchini and grilled peppers, which not only add flavor but also essential nutrients. This approach allows you to maintain the pleasure of pizza without sacrificing health. The light version is perfect for those following a balanced diet, allowing you to enjoy a dish typical of tradition without guilt.
Classic pizza with biga dough, when prepared with fresh and quality ingredients, can offer several nutritional benefits. The flour base provides complex carbohydrates, essential for daily energy needs. Buffalo mozzarella provides protein and calcium, vital for bone health. Furthermore, the use of fresh tomatoes and quality sausages contributes to an intake of antioxidants and vitamins. On average, a serving of classic pizza can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By carefully choosing the toppings, it is possible to enjoy a tasty and nutritious dish without exceeding in calories.
Freezing classic pizza with biga dough is possible and can be a great solution to always have a tasty meal on hand. It is advisable to freeze the pizza already cooked, but not topped, to best preserve the texture of the dough. After baking, allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe food bag. When you want to enjoy it, simply take it out of the freezer and bake it in the oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to maintain the flavors and freshness, making your pizza always ready to use.