Pizza Montanara

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:

1. 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

1. 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

1. Toppings:

• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.