The Ultimate Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Welcome to the heart of Italy with this authentic Neapolitan pizza recipe! Known for its thin crust, simple yet flavorful toppings, and a delightful char from a wood-fired oven, Neapolitan pizza is a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe will guide you through creating a pizza that transports you straight to Naples.

Ingredients for 6 Portions:

• 1 kg flour
• 600 ml cold water
• 30 g salt
• 1 g yeast

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Pour the cold water (around 15°C) into a large bowl and dissolve the salt in it.
2. Add 100g of the flour to the bowl and mix well with the water until no lumps remain.
3. Add the yeast and dissolve it completely, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead thoroughly for about 20 minutes. Using a kneading machine can make this process easier.
5. The dough should be slightly moist and elastic. Adjust the amount of flour if necessary to achieve the right consistency.

First Rise:

• Cover the dough with a damp cloth (to prevent crust formation) and let it rest on the work surface for 2 hours.

Shape and Second Rise:

1. After the initial rise, divide the dough into 280g portions and shape them into balls.
2. Place the dough balls in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 6 hours. For best results, let them rise for 24-48 hours.

Preheat the Oven:

• If you have a wood-fired oven, preheat it to 485°C (905°F). For a conventional oven, preheat it to the highest temperature possible, usually around 250°C (482°F). Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

Shape the Pizzas:

• Take one dough ball and gently press it down with floured fingers, working from the center outwards to form a disc. Avoid using a rolling pin to maintain the air bubbles in the crust. Stretch the dough by hand to a diameter of about 30 cm (12 inches).

Add Toppings:

• Traditional Neapolitan pizza toppings include San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, add slices of mozzarella, and finish with basil leaves and olive oil.

Bake:

• Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven or 7-10 minutes in a conventional oven, until the crust is golden and slightly charred, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Serve:

• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan pizza with a glass of Italian wine or a refreshing beverage of your choice.