Pizza al Taglio

Pizza al Taglio Recipe: A Slice of Italian Delight

Introduction:
Pizza al Taglio, or “pizza by the cut,” is a beloved Italian street food that has gained international popularity. This rectangular, thick-crust pizza is known for its versatility, allowing for a variety of toppings and flavors. Making Pizza al Taglio at home is a delightful culinary adventure, combining the satisfaction of baking with the joy of savoring authentic Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Toppings:

• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Prosciutto, thinly sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for at least 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
3. Prepare the Pizza:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into portions. Roll each portion into a rectangular shape, about ½ inch thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a well-oiled pizza pan.
4. Add Toppings:
   Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake:
   If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza to the hot stone in the preheated oven. Otherwise, simply place the baking sheet or pan in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Slice and Serve:
   Once out of the oven, let the Pizza al Taglio cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy the delicious flavors of this authentic Italian street food.

Conclusion:
Making Pizza al Taglio at home is a delightful experience that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. Experiment with different toppings and savor the satisfaction of creating a mouthwatering pizza that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Whether shared with family and friends or enjoyed solo, this pizza is a true culinary masterpiece. Buon appetito!