Calabresa Pizza: Complete and Delicious Recipe

Introduction

Calabresa pizza is a classic of Italian cooking that has won over the whole world, especially in Brazil, where it is a favorite. With an irresistible combination of calabresa sausage, onion, cheese, and tomato sauce, this pizza is perfect for any occasion, whether a family dinner, a get-together with friends, or even a pizza night at home. In this article, we explore the history of calabresa pizza, provide a detailed recipe, share preparation tips, discuss variations, and include a nutrition table. If you are looking for a foolproof calabresa pizza recipe, this guide is for you.

History of Pizza

The history of pizza goes back to antiquity, with records of flatbreads topped with ingredients dating to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. However, pizza as we know it today was developed in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Neapolitan pizza, with its thin, crispy crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh ingredients, became a hit and spread around the world. Calabresa pizza, with its robust and zesty flavor, is one of the most popular variations, especially in Brazil, where calabresa sausage is widely used in many recipes.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious calabresa pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

Dough Ingredients

• 1.1 lb (500 g) all-purpose flour (high quality)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (10 g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (high quality)

Sauce Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

Topping Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300 g) sliced calabresa sausage (high quality)
• 7 oz (200 g) shredded mozzarella
• 1 large onion cut into thin rings
• Black olives to taste
• Oregano to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with the sugar and half of the warm water. Let rest for about 10 minutes, until the mixture turns foamy.
2. Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, the olive oil, and the remaining warm water.
3. Kneading: Mix the ingredients by hand until a smooth dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until soft and elastic.
4. Resting: Place the dough in a bowl greased with olive oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

1. Oil and Onion: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Garlic and Tomato: Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and fresh basil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Cooling: Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rolling the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each portion with a rolling pin into a thin disk, about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
3. Sauce: Place the dough disks on pizza pans and spread an even layer of tomato sauce over each one.
4. Topping: Distribute the shredded mozzarella over the sauce, followed by the calabresa sausage slices, onion rings, and black olives. Sprinkle oregano to taste.

Step 4: Baking the Pizza

1. Baking: Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Serving: Remove the pizzas from the oven, slice, and serve immediately.

Prep Time and Yield

• Prep Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including dough resting time)
• Yield: Serves 4 to 6 people

Tips for a Perfect Calabresa Pizza

• High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality flour, olive oil, and calabresa sausage to guarantee a delicious pizza.
• Crispy Crust: For an even crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and topping.
• Homemade Sauce: Making the tomato sauce at home with fresh tomatoes makes all the difference in the final flavor of the pizza.

Calabresa Pizza Variations

Calabresa Pizza with Catupiry

Add small dollops of catupiry creamy cheese over the pizza before baking for a creamy, indulgent touch.

Calabresa Pizza with Bell Pepper

Add slices of green or red bell pepper to the topping for extra flavor and a touch of color.

Spicy Calabresa Pizza

Add thin slices of chili pepper or jalapeño to the topping for a spicy calabresa pizza full of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Calabresa pizza can be a nutritious meal when prepared with quality ingredients and eaten in moderation. Wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates, an important source of energy. Mozzarella and calabresa sausage contribute protein and essential fats. In addition, tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes is an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body.

Nutrition Table

Component	Amount per serving (5.3 oz / 150 g)
Calories	300 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Dietary Fiber	3 g
Sodium	700 mg
Sugars	4 g

Conclusion

Calabresa pizza is a classic and delicious recipe that combines the robust flavor of calabresa with the mildness of cheese and the freshness of tomato sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this pizza is easy to prepare and always a hit.

We hope this complete guide helps you prepare a delicious calabresa pizza at home. Follow the tips and variations to adapt the recipe to your taste and enjoy every slice of this delight. Enjoy!

Share This Recipe

If you enjoyed this calabresa pizza recipe, share it with your friends and family! Spread the joy of enjoying this delicious meal and help others discover how easy it is to prepare this wonder at home.

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