Pizza CAPRICCIOSA

Pizza-CAPRICCIOSA-Italian-National-Food-By-Travel-S-Helper

Reflecting the creative and varied character of Italian culinary traditions, Pizza Capricciosa is one of the most respected and popular variants among Italian pizzas. The historical background, ingredients, and cultural relevance of this interesting meal are discussed in this paper.

Pizza Capricciosa first emerged in mid-20th century Italy, more especially in the Campania region. Though exact beginnings are unknown, it is thought of as a development of classic Neapolitan pizzas. In Italian, the word “Capricciosa” translates as “capricious,” or “whimsical,” which fairly captures the wide range of toppings that define this pizza.

Representing a classic Italian pizza, Pizza Capricciosa is distinguished by a simple but aromatic basis made of peeled tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and basil. The meal calls fresh mozzarella cheese, ham, pickled or cooked artichokes, mushrooms, black olives, and extra virgin olive oil. Regional tastes might produce variations with hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, or capers.

The pizza dough stretches to get a thin base, then it is painstakingly covered with a consistent layer of tomato sauce over its surface. While the toppings are placed equally on top, the mozzarella cheese is distributed consistently over the sauce. Ideally a wood-fired variant, the pizza is baked in a high-temperature oven at 250–300°C (480–570°F) until it develops a crispy crust and melted, gently browned cheese.

Pizza Capricciosa is a major player in Italian cuisine since it shows how perfectly simple yet sophisticated should be balanced. Higher quality, locally-sourced foods have lately been a trend to improve the Capricciosa. Organic peeled tomatoes, fiordilatte di Agerola cheese, Irpinian salami, roasted Cilenty artichokes, and a variety of other premium regional ingredients abound in Pizzaiolo Ciro Salvo of 50 Kalò’s “Capricciosa Campana”.

Though many pizzerias offer their unique Capricciosa using different cheeses, meats, or extra vegetables, the traditional recipe is still rather popular. Pizza’s universal appeal has gone beyond Italy’s boundaries; it is now found in pizzerias all around, where each one combines their own regional variants to this Italian classic.

Pizza CAPRICCIOSA
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Pizza CAPRICCIOSA

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: MainCuisine: Italian, MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Pizza Capricciosa begins with a hand-worked dough—flour, salt, sugar, active dry yeast, warm water and a splash of olive oil—left to rise until supple and airy. A thin layer of bright tomato sauce is spread over the rolled-out base, followed by torn mozzarella, marinated artichoke hearts, thinly sliced mushrooms, pitted black olives and ribbons of prosciutto cotto. A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan and dried oregano gives way to a 475 °F oven, where the pie bakes for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles; once removed, it is finished with a drizzle of olive oil and scattered fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

Ingredients

  • For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

  • ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • For the Toppings

  • ½ cup tomato sauce

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms

  • ¼ cup black olives, pitted and halved

  • 4 ounces prosciutto cotto (cooked ham), thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

  • Olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

  • Prepare the Dough
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. 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 until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the Oven
  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
  • Assemble the Pizza
  • Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
  • Transfer the rolled dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  • Evenly distribute the artichoke hearts, mushrooms, olives, and prosciutto cotto over the cheese.
  • Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano over the top.
  • Bake the Pizza
  • If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. If using a baking sheet, place it in the oven.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  • Serve
  • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
  • Drizzle with a little olive oil, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Dough Preparation - For a more flavorful crust, prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Toppings Variations - While the traditional toppings are artichokes, mushrooms, olives, and prosciutto cotto, feel free to customize with ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or anchovies to suit your taste.
  • Cheese Selection - Fresh mozzarella provides a creamy texture, but you can also use low-moisture mozzarella for a firmer bite.
  • Baking Tips - If you don't have a pizza stone, a preheated baking sheet can also yield a crispy crust. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve the best results.
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