Indulge in the flavors of Italy right in your kitchen with this Italian Pizza recipe, now enhanced with the rich and exotic Taste of Sicily Spice featuring saffron. Perfect for gatherings with friends, cozy movie nights, or leisurely Sunday family meals, this homemade pizza brings the essence of Sicily to your table. Making pizza at home isn't just budget-friendly; it's a delightful way to tailor your meal to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Plus, the homemade touch adds a special flair to your gatherings. Let's embark on a culinary journey with this easy-to-follow recipe, boasting the luxurious touch of saffron.
Serving Size: This recipe comfortably serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough
- Warm water (1½ cups or 355 ml; temperature: 105°F-115°F)
- Dry active yeast (5g packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- Bread flour (490g or 3 ¾ cups)
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons; omit if using a wood-fired oven)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon)
For the Pizza Sauce and Toppings
- Tomato sauce (¼ cup)
- Taste of Sicily Spice with Saffron (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon)
- Salt flakes (½ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Pepperoni slices (1½ cups)
- Shredded Mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (3 tablespoons)
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)
Dough and Pizza Preparation
- In a large bowl, add warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it dissolves and begins to foam. (Note: Skip this step if using instant yeast; simply add it directly to the flour).
- Add salt, sugar, olive oil, and flour to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Knead the dough for about 7 to 10 minutes. It should be slightly sticky to the touch when done.
- Lightly coat the dough with olive oil and cover with plastic wrap. For best results, refrigerate overnight or let it rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours for a quicker rise.
- Before stretching, allow the dough to reach room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 246°C (475°F) for at least 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, divide the dough into two balls. Stretch and flatten each ball with your hands.
- Brush the flattened dough with olive oil and fit it into a pizza pan, shaping the edges as needed.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the pizza sauce by simmering tomato sauce and Taste of Sicily Spice mix in a pan over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, salt flakes, and black pepper.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough. Layer pepperoni slices on top.
- Sprinkle half of the mixed cheeses over the sauce. Add a second layer of pepperoni or your choice of vegetables, then cover with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C), or until the crust turns a light golden brown.
Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Italian Pizza with Saffron, enriched with the luxurious Taste of Sicily Spice. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the warmth and vibrancy of Sicilian cuisine to your dining table. Perfect for any occasion, this pizza is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for authentic Italian flavors.
Checkout our other Saffron Recipes Here
