Pizza is a universal favorite, and nothing beats the satisfaction of a homemade, rustic-style pizza with fresh ingredients and a crispy crust. This Neapolitan-inspired pizza recipe features a perfectly airy crust, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and the refreshing touch of mint leaves. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crushed canned tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as high as it can go. Place a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven to heat.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Roll or stretch each ball into a 10-12 inch round, keeping the edges slightly thicker for the crust.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the pizza base. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Add slices of mozzarella evenly across the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or steel using a pizza peel or parchment paper.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Add Fresh Mint:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of flavor.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve immediately while the pizza is hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
This Neapolitan-style pizza is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The airy crust pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic mint leaves, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this pizza recipe is sure to impress. Make it your own by experimenting with additional toppings, but don’t skip the mint—it’s a game-changer!
Tips:
- For an authentic crust, use “00” flour if available.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, use an inverted baking sheet.
- Allow the dough to ferment in the fridge overnight for extra flavor.