Authentic Italian Pizza Montanara

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
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives) Toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a round disc.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry each pizza dough disc for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. 7.
   Place the fried pizza dough discs on a baking sheet. Spread tomato sauce evenly over each disc, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add your desired toppings.
8. 8.
   Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs for a rich flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese — Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy and melty texture. If unavailable, shredded mozzarella works well too.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight before frying.
• Experiment with different toppings such as fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, or prosciutto for added flavor.
• Serve the Pizza Montanara with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of decadence.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the pizza dough instead of frying it.
• Leftover Pizza Montanara can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Pizza Montanara hot and fresh, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or appetizer. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Pizza Montanara with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color. Serve it on a wooden board or a pizza stone to enhance the rustic Italian feel.