How To Make Roman-Style Pizza At Home
If you've ever been to a real Italian pizzeria in Rome, then you probably fell in love with the super thin, crispy crunch and simple toppings on this style of pizza. This is tough to find back home in the United States, but thankfully, you can make Roman-style pizza at home. It all starts with making your own dough and your own sauce -- from the best ingredients. Here's how to proceed.
Make the Crust:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1/4 teaspoon active, dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Combine the yeast and water, and stir until dissolved. Stir in the remaining ingredients, and then turn onto a floured surface to knead for 5 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and keep in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the dough from the fridge about 2 hours before you want to make your pizza.
Making the Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 4 whole, canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon red onion, minced
- 1 pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 pinch white sugar
You can make this sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it, or you can prepare it just before you're ready to make the pizza. It's made with simple ingredients so you can truly enjoy the flavor of each one.
Saute the garlic and onion in the olive oil. Crush the tomatoes with your hands, and add them to the pan. Stir in the remaining ingredients, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Break some of the tomatoes into smaller pieces with a spoon as the sauce simmers. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until thickened slightly.
Preparing the Pizza
Additional Ingredients:
- 10 - 12 fresh basil leaves
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
Preheat the oven, with a pizza stone already inserted in the oven, to 400 degrees F. Once the oven reaches temperature, continue to let it heat for an additional 20 minutes to get the pizza stone really hot.
Stretch the pizza dough out into a 12-inch circle and place it on the heated pizza stone. Quickly spread your prepared sauce over the pizza, and then scatter it with the basil and mozzarella. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is browned. Let cool for about 10 minutes, slice, and enjoy. For more information or advice, contact an Italian pizzeria.