Pizza Montanara: A Crispy and Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Pizza Montanara, a delightful Neapolitan dish, offers a unique twist to the traditional pizza experience. What sets this pizza apart is the method of cooking the dough: it is fried before being baked, resulting in a wonderfully crispy crust that encases the rich flavors of tomato sauce and melted cheese. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Pizza Montanara at home.
Ingredients:
- Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil for coating
- Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Toppings:
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.
- Shape and Fry the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disk.
- Heat oil in a pan for frying. Fry each dough disk until golden brown on both sides. Place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble the Pizza Montanara:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Place the fried dough disks on a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous spoonful of tomato sauce on each disk.
- Top with slices of fresh mozzarella and scatter fresh basil leaves.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Enjoy the crispy, fried goodness of Pizza Montanara, where the golden crust perfectly complements the savory tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s a delightful departure from the ordinary, bringing a taste of Naples right into your home kitchen.