Ah, New Haven pizza! It’s like a slice of happiness that somehow time-traveled from Italy and decided to settle in Connecticut. If you’ve never had the pleasure of indulging in this culinary marvel, buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on an epic journey!
The Glory of New Haven Pizza
New Haven pizza is often known as “apizza” (pronounced ah-bee-tz) and is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and those wonderfully charred edges that make you go “Mmm!” when you take your first bite. If you’re wondering where to get the best slice, well, the answer usually involves a pilgrimage to New Haven itself.
Ingredients to Create Your Own Slice of Heaven
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your very own New Haven-style pizza party at home:
- 2 ½ cups high-gluten flour (if you can’t find it, just use all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably from a can of San Marzano tomatoes, but we won’t judge your choice)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling (more is always merrier)
- Your favorite toppings, like pepperoni, mushrooms, or the ever-controversial pineapple, if you must!
Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Now, imagine you’re a mad scientist trying to create the perfect dough!
- Gradually add the lukewarm water until a rough dough forms. Knead that baby for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it doesn’t bounce back when poked, just keep kneading!
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours until it’s doubled in size. You’re basically waiting for the pizza to grow up.
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting. It’s time for the pizza to meet its destiny!
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down (take out your frustrations here!) and shape it on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape.
- Transfer it onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet. Spread your tomato sauce, sprinkle the cheese, add toppings galore, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil!
- Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden. The aroma should be so enticing that even your neighbors will come knocking!
Slice it up and enjoy your homemade New Haven pizza! Just remember to savor every bite; you’ve earned it!
New Haven Style Pizza Dough Recipe You Can Make
source = newengland.com