The Neapolitan Pizza, also known as pizza Napoletana, is a traditional Italian dish with a deliciously soft, thin, and slightly charred crust that’s full of flavor. Born in Naples, this style of pizza is recognized by the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed product. Here’s an informative guide on how to make an authentic Neapolitan pizza at home.

The Art of Neapolitan Pizza: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) “00” flour
• 600 ml (2.5 cups) water
• 30 g (2 tbsp) sea salt
• 3 g (1 tsp) fresh yeast

For the Toppings:

• 800 g (28 oz) canned San Marzano tomatoes
• 500 g (17.6 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Sea salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough of Neapolitan pizza:

1. Dissolve the Yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in the water. The water should be at room temperature. Stir until the yeast is fully dissolved.
2. Mix the Flour and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Add the Yeast Mixture: Gradually add the water and yeast mixture to the flour, stirring as you go.
4. Knead the Dough: Once all the water has been added, begin kneading the dough. You should knead for at least 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours at room temperature.
6. Form the Dough Balls: After the resting period, divide the dough into 250 g (8.8 oz) portions and shape each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls on a floured surface, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rise for 6-8 hours.

Preparing the Toppings of Neapolitan pizza:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Drain the canned tomatoes and crush them with your hands or a blender until you have a chunky sauce. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Slice the Mozzarella: Drain the mozzarella cheese and slice it into small pieces.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat the Oven: If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach, usually between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit (230-260 degrees Celsius).
2. Shape the Pizza: Take a dough ball and press it out from the center to create a thin, round pizza base. Leave a thicker border around the edge for the crust.
3. Add the Toppings: Spread a layer of tomato sauce onto the pizza base, leaving the crust uncovered. Distribute a few pieces of mozzarella and a couple of basil leaves over the sauce. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
4. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and slightly charred in spots.
5. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few moments before cutting into slices.

Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan pizza! Remember, the key to a great pizza Napoletana is simplicity and the quality of ingredients. So, get the best ingredients you can find, and let them shine. Buon appetito!

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