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ARJUN PATEL

ANTHROPOLOGY ANALYST

Classic Pizza with No Rise Dough and Fresh Tomato Sauce

  • Writer: Arjun Patel
    Arjun Patel
  • Nov 10, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 22

Pizza has a rich cultural history in Italy, where it evolved from simple flatbreads into a beloved national dish. Early versions of pizza date back to ancient times, with flatbreads in Mediterranean cultures often topped with oils, herbs, and other ingredients. The modern pizza, however, originated in Naples in the 18th century. For the working class in Naples, pizza was a quick, inexpensive food sold by street vendors and small eateries, topped with ingredients that were affordable and flavorful—like tomatoes, which had recently been introduced to Europe from the Americas.


The creation of the Margherita pizza in 1889, made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag, is often cited as a defining moment. Legend has it that Queen Margherita of Savoy favored this simple, patriotic pizza, helping it gain recognition beyond Naples. Today, pizza is celebrated worldwide, but Italians still take immense pride in their traditional methods, with specific guidelines in Naples for what constitutes a true Neapolitan pizza, emphasizing quality ingredients and artisanal preparation.


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Pizza is a dish that I love making with others, using it as a hands-on activity, serving it at a birthday celebration or customizing it during a family gathering, where each chef can customize with toppings of their choice. Pizza is often a fan favorite offering flavorful food that can be sliced up to serve both the minimally hungry or famished appetite. Pizza dough is the key to making the perfect pizza and this quick, no rise recipe, allows pizza to be made in a swift and easy manner, while maintaining a crispy and satisfying crust base for toppings. Also, a fresh sauce packs a punch with seasonal tomatoes, aromatic garlic and fresh basil.

Plus, it’s a fun, creative way to celebrate an assortment of seasonal veggies to put on top! Let kids get creative, experiment with toppings, and share their pizza masterpieces with family and friends!

Ingredients

  • No-Rise Pizza Dough

    • 1 cup warm water (110°F)

    • 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

    • 1 teaspoon sugar

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 1 teaspoon salt

  • Fresh Tomato, Garlic & Basil Sauce

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil

    • 3 cloves garlic, crushed

    • ½ cup fresh parsley or basil leaves, chopped

    • 6 medium to large fresh tomatoes, diced (or 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved)

    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    • ½ cup cheese for topping (e.g., grated pecorino, goat cheese, burrata, or fresh mozzarella)


Instructions:

To Make the Dough:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

  2. In a medium bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes bubbly.

  3. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead by hand or use a mixer with a dough hook until smooth.

  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, press with the palm of your hand, and shape into a pizza base. Place on a pizza pan and set aside while you prepare the sauce and toppings.


To Make the Fresh Tomato Sauce:

  1. Lightly crush garlic cloves, sprinkle with salt, and chop.

  2. In a medium saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden.

  3. Add tomatoes, cooking until they release juices and break down, about 10 minutes. If the sauce is dry, add ¼ cup water and cook for 5 more minutes.

  4. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and let cool slightly.


Assemble the Pizza:

  1. Spread the fresh tomato sauce onto the pizza dough.

  2. Add cheese and any additional toppings of your choice.

  3. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tips and Customizations

  • For a grill option, cook the pizza dough on a preheated grill, then add toppings and cook until the cheese melts.

  • Try different cheeses like burrata or goat cheese for unique flavor combinations.

  • Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or arugula to make it your own.

Related Recipes (Coming Soon!)

  • Homemade Indian Roti

  • Chickpea Sumac Harissa Maple Salad

  • Saffron Linguini

Try This at Home and Share!

To me pizza embodies the value of simplicity and quality. I actually like mine without cheese and typically seek out using fresh, local ingredients. Next time you make pizza, consider how you are eating a dish that began centuries ago and how it brings you joy and flavor no matter your age.

 
 
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