Neapolitan pizza, or “pizza Napoletana,” is a classic dish from Naples, Italy, known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients and its characteristic thin, soft crust. Making an authentic Neapolitan pizza at home requires a few specific techniques and high-quality ingredients, but the result is well worth the effort. Follow this recipe to create your own taste of Naples!
Ingredients:
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Pizza Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) of Italian “00” flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 ½ cups (350ml) of water, lukewarm
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
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Toppings:
- 1 cup (240ml) of San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 8 oz (225g) of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix the flour into the water until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 8-24 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 500°F/260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. The stone will help mimic the high temperatures of a traditional wood-fired pizza oven.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the crushed San Marzano tomatoes with salt. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes briefly, but it’s traditional to keep them slightly chunky.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions for individual pizzas. On a floured surface, shape each portion into a ball.
- Flatten each ball gently with your hands, then stretch the dough outwards into a circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. The dough should be thin, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base, leaving the edges uncovered for the crust.
- Place the sliced mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
6. Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
7. Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Slice and serve immediately.
Enjoy a Culinary Adventure in Naples
To truly immerse yourself in the flavors of Naples, consider joining Naples Food Tours. These tours offer an insider’s look into the city’s rich culinary traditions, including visits to authentic pizzerias where you can taste the best Neapolitan pizza made by expert pizzaiolos.
