Homemade Pizza with Sourdough Starter (Pizza con Lievito Madre)
Category: Yeasted Breads
Servings: 4
Pizza made with sourdough starter offers a wonderfully unique flavor and texture that you won’t get from traditional yeast-based dough. The slightly tangy, airy crust perfectly complements the classic Italian toppings, creating a delicious dish that’s both crispy and soft. This homemade pizza recipe is perfect for anyone looking to experience authentic pizza with a little extra love and care.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba Flour | 450g |
| Water (room temperature) | 300g |
| Sourdough Starter (Lievito Madre) | 100g |
| Fine Salt | 10g |
| Tomato Passata (pureed tomatoes) | 400g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fine Salt | 5g |
| Mozzarella (fresh, cubed) | 400g |
| Fresh Basil | to taste |
| Oregano (dried) | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the Manitoba flour and water at room temperature.
- Mix on low speed until a smooth, homogeneous dough forms.
- Add the sourdough starter and fine salt, continuing to mix for an additional 5 minutes until well incorporated.
Step 2: First Proof
- Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough in a large, lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise for 5 hours at about 25°C (77°F) in a warm, draft-free spot.
Step 3: Divide and Shape
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles, then divide it into four equal portions.
- Gently shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball (known as “pirlare”). The goal is to create a ball that’s firm and taut.
- Place the dough balls on a floured tray, spacing them apart. Dust the tops with a little more flour.
- Let them rest and rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
- While the dough is resting, cube the mozzarella into 1 cm chunks.
- Prepare a small bowl with tomato passata and a pinch of oregano to season the sauce.
- If desired, prepare fresh basil leaves for garnishing after baking.
Step 5: Shape the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F) and place a rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Take one of the dough balls and, on a floured surface, gently press it down with your fingers to form a flat disc.
- Gradually stretch the dough by rotating it, using your fingers to gently spread it out into a round pizza shape, making the center thinner and leaving the edges a bit thicker for the crust.
- Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a well-floured pizza peel.
Step 6: Assemble the Pizza
- Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of tomato passata evenly over the dough, leaving the edges free for the crust.
- Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the cubed mozzarella evenly over the pizza.
- Season with a bit more oregano and fine salt if desired.
Step 7: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 8: Serve
- Slice your homemade pizza and serve hot. Enjoy the crisp crust, savory sauce, and melted cheese that make this sourdough pizza a true treat.
Notes
- Sourdough starter: If you don’t have sourdough starter on hand, you can substitute with active dry yeast. However, the distinct flavor that sourdough brings to the dough is worth the extra effort.
- Tomato passata: For a fresher taste, you can use crushed tomatoes instead of passata. Just cook them down to thicken slightly before spreading on the dough.
- Baking time: Depending on your oven and thickness of the dough, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check after 8 minutes and go from there.
This recipe yields a pizza with a delicate, airy crust that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, it’s sure to impress with its incredible flavors and textures!
