Canotto Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.) Toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, etc.)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
7. 7.
   Roll out each portion into an oval shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Transfer the dough ovals onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Spread tomato sauce evenly over each dough oval, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
11. 11.
    Add your desired toppings, distributing them evenly.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. 14.
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
15. 15.
    Slice the Canotto Pizza into individual portions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own by simmering fresh tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a rich and flavorful base.
• Toppings — Feel free to customize your Canotto Pizza with your favorite toppings such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, or any other ingredients that suit your taste.
• Fresh basil leaves — Add the basil leaves as a garnish just before serving to enhance the aroma and freshness of the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties such as provolone, cheddar, or goat cheese to add unique flavors to your Canotto Pizza.
• Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil before baking to achieve a golden and shiny finish.
• To enhance the flavors, sprinkle dried oregano or red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking.
• Serve the Canotto Pizza with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.

Serving advice

Serve the Canotto Pizza fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the crust is warm and crispy. Cut it into individual portions and serve as a main course or slice it into smaller pieces for a delightful appetizer or party snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the Canotto Pizza on a wooden cutting board or a rustic serving platter. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra touch of elegance.