Sourdough Pizza - By Chef Akshay Kolhe

Sourdough pizza traces its roots back to traditional Italian pizza-making methods. The use of sourdough starter, a mixture of flour and water fermented by wild yeast and bacteria, has been a staple in bread baking for centuries. In Italy, particularly in regions like Naples where pizza originated, sourdough was often used in pizza dough for its distinctive flavor and leavening properties.

The sourdough starter imparts complexity and depth to the pizza crust, creating a tangy flavor and chewy texture. While modern pizza recipes frequently use commercial yeast for its convenience and consistency, sourdough pizza has seen a resurgence in popularity. This is largely due to its unique taste and the growing interest in artisanal and traditional food preparation methods.

Sourdough pizza aligns well with contemporary preferences for natural fermentation and healthier eating. The slow fermentation process involved in sourdough development can make the pizza dough easier to digest and enhance the nutritional profile of the crust by breaking down certain components of the flour.

Overall, sourdough pizza embodies a fusion of ancient techniques and modern culinary trends, appealing to those who appreciate the craftsmanship and flavor complexity of traditional foods.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough Starter - 1 cup

• All-Purpose Flour - 1½ cups

• Salt - ½ tsp

• Sugar - ½ tsp

• Warm Water - ½ cup

• Olive Oil - 1 tbsp

• Toppings of your choice (tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, meat, etc.)

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and mix until the dough forms a ball.

3. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet.

6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a pizza crust on a floured surface.

7. Transfer the crust onto the prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.

8. Add your desired toppings onto the pizza.

9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

11. Enjoy your homemade sourdough pizza!