Alessio's Homemade Pizza (Alessio Carli of Pietra Santa Winery)
Pizza at Alessio's is a rare treat. The thin and crispy crust with a spicy and fresh sauce comes alive when baked in the hand-built wood-burning oven. This recipe was recently shared with Pietra Santa Wine Club members. I recall the sauce having a healthy spice note from fresh chilies or dried red pepper flakes. Alessio likes capers on most everything so feel free to add these to your version.
Ingredients
Dough
4 cups flour
1/4 cup olive oil (Pietra Santa Olive Oil)
4 tablespoons salt
1 package quick rise yeast
1 tsp sugar (for testing yeast)
1 cup warm water
Add sugar and yeast package to warm water, wait for the yeast to dissolve and foam. Meanwhile in a lager bowl, add flour, salt and oil. Once the foam has risen in water pour over flour mixture and kneed together. Let rise for a half hour, punch down and knee one more time; let rise until double in size.
Sauce (can be prepared before)
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 cup diced homegrown tomatoes
1/8 cup oregano
1/4 cup diced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
In a saucepan warm the olive oil then add tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt & pepper. Simmer constantly stirring over heat until tomatoes are soft and sauce consistency. Let cool. Blend with a hand mixing wand. Set aside until ready to use.
Method
If you have a pizza oven, AWESOME, if you don't, bake it on a pizza stone on a hot grill. Heat the stone on high before cooking your pizza. Roll the dough into the desired size and thickness. Sprinkle small amount of corn meal on pizza stone and lay the dough on top. Spread pizza sauce and layer with your favorite toppings. Alessio’s favorite toppings include fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil served with Sangiovese or arugula and prosciutto served with Dolcetto. Serve the Amore as the perfect aperitifs.