New York-Style Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza: A Culinary Masterpiece

Neapolitan pizza, a gem from Naples, Italy, embodies simplicity and authenticity. This pizza is famous for its thin, soft, and slightly chewy crust, topped with rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. Its origins date back to the 18th century, and it has since become a global favorite.

The secret to Neapolitan pizza lies in its ingredients and baking technique. The dough, made from Italian "00" flour, water, salt, and yeast, undergoes a slow fermentation process, ensuring a light and airy texture. San Marzano tomatoes, grown on the volcanic plains near Mount Vesuvius, provide the perfect base sauce with their sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh mozzarella cheese and basil complete the classic toppings. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at around 900°F (485°C) for about 90 seconds. This high heat creates the characteristic charred spots on the crust, known as "leopard spots," while preserving the freshness of the ingredients. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make Neapolitan pizza a timeless culinary masterpiece.

New York-Style Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g bread flour
• 325ml warm water
• 10g sea salt
• 7g active dry yeast
• 15ml olive oil
• 10g sugar

For the Topping:

• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 300g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2g dried oregano
• 2g garlic powder
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Dough:

   • Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (around 500°F or 260°C) with a pizza stone inside.
   • Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
   • On a floured surface, stretch each portion into a 12-14 inch round, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.

3. Add the Toppings:

   • Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over each dough round.
   • Sprinkle with dried oregano and garlic powder.
   • Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizzas.
   • Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

4. Bake the Pizza:

   • Carefully transfer the pizzas to the preheated pizza stone.
   • Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, slice, and serve.

Enjoy your homemade New York-style pizza with its iconic large, foldable slices and perfect balance of flavors!