Pizza alla Diavola

Pizza alla Diavola Recipe: Spicy Delight Straight from Italy

Pizza alla Diavola, a spicy and flavorful Italian classic, is a fiery twist on the traditional pizza. This devilishly delicious dish is topped with hot chili peppers, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes spicy salami or pepperoni, creating a taste explosion that will satisfy any heat-seeking pizza lover. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Pizza alla Diavola at home.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup spicy tomato sauce (mix tomato sauce with red pepper flakes for extra heat)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Spicy salami or pepperoni slices
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 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 and olive oil.
• Mix the ingredients until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach, typically around 475-500°F (245-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during the preheating process.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape and thickness.

1. Assemble the Pizza:

• Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Spread the spicy tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add slices of spicy salami or pepperoni.

1. Bake the Pizza:

• If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. Otherwise, place the baking sheet directly in the oven.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Pizza alla Diavola – a devilishly good creation that brings the heat of Italy straight to your table!