Pizza marinara is a classic Italian pizza that embodies the simplicity and authenticity of Neapolitan cuisine. This delectable dish, also known as "pizza alla marinara," has captured the hearts of pizza enthusiasts worldwide with its vibrant history and tantalizing flavors. The name "marinara" pays homage to the mariners of Naples, who are believed to have created this pizza as a quick and portable meal during their long sea voyages. With its vibrant red sauce, savory oregano, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked dough, pizza marinara stands as a testament to the culinary prowess of the Italian people. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of preparing pizza marinara at home, providing you with step-by-step recipes for the dough, the delectable tomato sauce, and the final assembly of this iconic dish. Whether you're a seasoned pizzaiolo or a home cook seeking to recreate the magic of Italian pizza, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to craft an authentic and unforgettable pizza marinara experience.
Let's cook with our recipes!
PIZZA MARINARA
The recipe is the one codified by Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN Association), meaning only pizzas prepared in this manner can hold the denomination "original Neapolitan pizza". One pizza is one serving, and the number of pizzas that can be made with the amounts stated here ranges from eight to eleven, depending on the amount of flour the water absorbs, which changes daily. That said, if you are not making a huge batch, half a liter (2 1/4 cups) of water makes for approximately five to seven pizzas, so adjust the amounts accordingly. If you do not own a wood-fired oven but want good results, apply the suggestions from our "at-home preparation" tip.
Provided by TasteAtlas
Categories Pizza
Yield 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the dough in a large bowl, then cover it with a cloth and store it in a warm place for two hours.
- Once at least six hours have passed, take a ball of dough, place it on a lightly floured surface.
- Arrange the topping as follows; First, place the crushed, peeled tomatoes in the center of the pizza, then, with a spoon, spread them all over, except the rim, in a spiraling fashion.
- Place the pizza on a pizza peel and then slide it into a wood-fired oven with a quick wrist motion, so the topping stays in place.
- The finished pizza should have a thick tomato sauce, with garlic and oregano that have developed an aroma and have browned but are not burnt.
- Dissolve salt in water, then add the yeast to the water and mix to help it melt. Immediately add a portion of the flour to the water and mix. Add the remaining flour in batches, gauging how much flour is needed.
- After two hours have passed, shape the dough into balls weighing either 200 or 280 grams (7-10 oz), depending on the size of the pizza you're making - a 22-24cm (8.5-9.5-inch) or a 28-35cm (11-13.5-inch) one.
- Pressing on the ball of dough with the thumbs of your fingers, starting from the center and going towards the edges, shape into a disc, turning the dough several times in the process.
- Next, scatter the slices of garlic evenly across the surface, followed by a sprinkling of oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, which should be applied in a circular motion, starting from the center outwards.
- Bake for 60-90 seconds in a wood-fired oven at a temperature of about 485°C/905°F, checking the doneness by carefully lifting the edges of the pizza.
- Knead for a minimum of 15-20 minutes, but ideally, 30 minutes - the dough is of ideal consistency when it's sticking a bit to the hands and to the sides of a bowl you're mixing it in.
- Once you've shaped the balls, place them all on a plate and cover them with a damp cloth and let them prove for a minimum of six hours.
- As a result of this action, you should end up with a disc that has about a 1-2cm (1/2-inch) raised rim and a center that is approximately 0.3cm (1/8-inch) thick.
- Also, the pizza should be rotated as it bakes but kept in the same cooking area, so every part gets baked evenly.
- Shape it into a ball, then lightly coat with flour, to prevent losing moisture as it rises.
PIZZA MARINARA
Categories Tomato Bake Vegetarian Kid-Friendly Gourmet Small Plates
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- At least 45 minutes before baking pizza, put a pizza stone or 4 to 6 unglazed "quarry" tiles arranged close together on oven rack in lowest position in oven and preheat oven to highest setting (500°F-550°F).
- Thinly slice garlic. On a lightly floured surface pat out dough evenly with your fingers, keeping hands flat and lifting and turning dough over several times, into a 9-inch round. (Do not handle dough more than necessary. If dough is sticky, dust it lightly with flour.)
- Dust a baker's peel or rimless baking sheet with flour and carefully transfer dough to it. Jerk peel or baking sheet once or twice and, if dough is sticking, lift dough and sprinkle flour underneath it, reshaping dough if necessary. Working quickly, top dough with sauce, spreading with back of a spoon to within 1/2 inch of edge. Scatter garlic and oregano over sauce and drizzle with oil.
- Line up far edge of peel or baking sheet with far edge of stone or tiles and tilt peel or baking sheet, jerking it gently to start pizza moving. Once edge of pizza touches stone or tiles, carefully pull back peel or baking sheet, completely transferring pizza to stone or tiles (do not move pizza). Bake pizza 6 to 7 minutes, or until dough is crisp and browned, and transfer with a metal spatula to a cutting board.
- Cut pizza into wedges and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and rested before using.
- Don't overcrowd the pizza with toppings, as this will make it soggy.
- Use fresh herbs, such as basil and oregano, to add flavor.
- Cook the pizza at a high temperature to get a crispy crust.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Pizza marinara is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious and authentic pizza that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're in the mood for pizza, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love