Gluten-Free Pizza Recipe
Category: Leavened
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Flour | 350g |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 250g |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 350ml |
| Fine Salt | 10g |
| Fresh Yeast | 25g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 500g |
| Tomato Passata | 350ml |
| Salt (for seasoning) | to taste |
| Fresh Basil | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Oregano | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gluten-Free Pizza Dough
To begin, sift together the rice flour and cornstarch. Create a well in the center of the mixture, either on a large clean surface (like a countertop or a cutting board) or in a spacious mixing bowl. This will be the base for adding the liquids and yeast.
In a small glass bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add a cup of lukewarm water. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves completely. Set this aside for a moment.
Next, in a separate glass or small bowl, dissolve 10g of salt in another cup of lukewarm water. Now, you have two important mixtures ready: the yeast-water mixture and the salt-water mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Pour the dissolved yeast mixture into the well of flour and cornstarch. Add the teaspoon of honey to this mix, which will slightly sweeten the dough and assist in the fermentation process. Mix the ingredients gently using a fork or your hands, incorporating them slowly to form a sticky dough.
Once the yeast mixture is fully integrated, itโs time to pour in the salt-water solution. Gradually add the water, a little at a time, as you continue to mix the dough. Begin kneading the mixture (either by hand or with a stand mixer) while adding the remaining lukewarm water if needed. The dough should begin to come together, becoming soft, elastic, and smooth. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape but still slightly tacky.
As you knead, keep a small amount of rice flour nearby to help prevent the dough from sticking to your hands or work surface. Continue kneading until you achieve a smooth dough that is firm but pliable, which should take about 8-10 minutes of manual kneading, or 5-7 minutes if using a stand mixer.
Step 3: First Rise and Shaping the Pizza Base
Once your dough has reached the perfect consistency, form it into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rest and rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes or until it has roughly doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (392ยฐF). Grease a baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil or line it with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, transfer it onto the baking sheet and begin shaping it into a round pizza base. Use your fingers or a rolling pin to stretch the dough into your desired shape and thickness.
Brush the top of the dough with a light layer of extra virgin olive oil. Let it rise for another 30 minutes, giving it time to expand further.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Once the dough has risen for the second time, itโs time to add the toppings. Start by spreading a generous layer of tomato passata (tomato puree) evenly across the pizza base. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the sauce for extra flavor, then season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of oregano. These simple ingredients will enhance the flavor and create a perfect pizza base.
Now, place your pizza in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes at 200ยฐC (392ยฐF), or until the edges of the dough begin to turn golden and crisp.
Step 5: Add the Mozzarella
While the pizza is baking, prepare the mozzarella cheese. Slice the mozzarella into thin pieces and place it in a colander to drain any excess moisture. This step ensures that the pizza wonโt become soggy during baking.
After the pizza has baked for about 10 minutes, remove it from the oven. Quickly arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the pizza, spreading them evenly. If you prefer, you can also tear the mozzarella into smaller pieces or cut it into chunks. This will melt beautifully into the sauce.
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, slightly golden at the edges.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor. If desired, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil over the pizza to finish.
Slice the gluten-free pizza into wedges and serve immediately while hot. The result is a crispy, light, and flavorful pizza thatโs perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving a delicious pizza experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~470 kcal |
| Protein | ~16g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugars | ~8g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Saturated Fat | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~350mg |
| Calcium | ~220mg |
| Iron | ~2mg |
Tips and Variations
- Dough Texture: If you prefer a thicker crust, allow the dough to rise longer during both the first and second rising stages.
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Fresh vegetables, olives, mushrooms, or even cooked meats are all great additions to this gluten-free pizza.
- Storage: If you have leftover pizza, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the crust.
- Vegan Option: For a dairy-free pizza, simply omit the mozzarella and use vegan cheese or other plant-based toppings.
This gluten-free pizza recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish without gluten, and itโs sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when youโre craving a slice of comfort food that suits your dietary needs.
