Pizza Fritta with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced spicy salami 1/2 cup (75g) sliced spicy salami
• 1/4 cup (40g) caramelized onions 1/4 cup (40g) caramelized onions
• 4 cloves roasted garlic 4 cloves roasted garlic
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 4g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until 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 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the dough circles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. 7.
   Spread tomato sauce on one side of each fried dough circle. Top with shredded mozzarella, spicy salami, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and fresh basil leaves.
8. 8.
   Fold the dough circles in half, pressing the edges together to seal the filling.
9. 9.
   Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and cook the folded pizzas for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
10. 10.
    Serve the Pizza Fritta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Caramelized onions — To caramelize onions, cook them slowly over low heat with a bit of olive oil until they turn golden brown and sweet.
• Roasted garlic — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of a garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the spicy salami and add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties such as provolone, fontina, or gorgonzola for unique flavor combinations.
• Serve the Pizza Fritta with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the dough circles in the oven instead of frying them.
• Customize the toppings to your liking and get creative with different herbs and spices.

Serving advice

Serve the Pizza Fritta hot and crispy as a main course or cut it into smaller pieces for a delightful appetizer. Pair it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Arrange the folded Pizza Fritta on a platter, garnish it with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle a little olive oil on top for an appetizing presentation. Serve it on colorful plates or wooden boards to enhance the visual appeal.