Pizza Bel Sit: An Italian Classic with a Gourmet Twist
Bel Sit
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups 300g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet 7g instant yeast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup 240ml warm water
- For the Toppings:
- ½ cup 120ml tomato sauce (pomodoro)
- 1 ½ cups 150g shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup 20g grated Grana Padano cheese
- 1 cup 50g fresh rucola (arugula)
- 8 –10 slices of speck or prosciutto for a substitute
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Slowly add warm water and olive oil while mixing until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or its highest setting. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
- Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into your desired shape (round or rectangular).
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly across the base.
- Add the grated Grana Padano.
- Bake the Pizza
- Carefully place the pizza in the oven (or slide it onto the pizza stone). Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Add Fresh Toppings
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with rucola and slices of speck. Drizzle with olive oil for a final touch.
- Slice and Serve
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Variations and Tips
- For a Vegetarian Option: Replace speck with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use a store-bought gluten-free pizza dough mix or almond flour dough.
- Cheese Alternatives: For a lactose-free version, use dairy-free mozzarella.
- Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes evoke as much joy and excitement as a freshly made pizza. This Pizza Bel Sit, topped with pomodoro, mozzarella, grana, rucola, and speck, is a combination of comforting flavors and gourmet touches. From my own personal experience, or based on my overall experience, making pizza at home can be both rewarding and surprisingly easy. Let me show you how I make this delicious pizza in a way that beginners and seasoned cooks alike can enjoy.
Notes on What to Expect When Making Pizza Bel Sit
- Dough Texture:
- While kneading, expect the dough to start sticky but gradually become smooth and elastic as you work it. A well-kneaded dough should spring back slightly when pressed with your finger.
- Rising Process:
- The dough will double in size after about an hour of resting in a warm spot. If your kitchen is cold, it may take slightly longer, or you can place it near a warm appliance to speed up the process.
- Rolling the Dough:
- When rolling out the dough, it should stretch easily without tearing. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
- Crispiness of the Crust:
- Using a pizza stone will give you a crispier base. If you’re using a baking sheet, you’ll still get a delicious crust, but it might be slightly softer.
- Baking Time:
- The high oven temperature ensures the pizza cooks quickly. Keep a close eye on it as it can go from perfectly baked to overdone in a matter of minutes.
- Cheese Melting:
- Mozzarella will melt and create a gooey texture, while the Grana Padano adds a rich, nutty flavor. Expect some bubbling as the cheeses meld together.
- Topping Freshness:
- Adding rucola and speck after baking preserves their fresh and vibrant flavors. The rucola will add a peppery crunch, while the speck provides a smoky, salty contrast.
- Flavor Balance:
- The tomato sauce (pomodoro) serves as a tangy base that complements the creamy cheeses and the savory, slightly smoky speck. The combination of fresh and baked elements makes the pizza dynamic and exciting to eat.
- Homemade Pizza Charm:
- Your pizza might not look as uniform as a restaurant’s, but its rustic appearance is part of its charm! Each bite will taste fresh and personalized, unlike store-bought or pre-made options.
- Cleanup:
- If you’re using a pizza stone or peel, cleanup might take a little extra effort due to any spilled cheese or sauce. A parchment-lined baking sheet can make cleanup easier.
These notes should help you set expectations and troubleshoot any challenges along the way. Enjoy the process it’s part of what makes homemade pizza so special.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Time to Stand: 1 hour (dough rising)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 2–4 (makes one large pizza or two medium pizzas)
- Calories: ~450 per slice (for 8 slices)
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate ($10–15 depending on quality)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Cheese grater
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory ##Pizza Bel Sit now.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce (pomodoro)
- 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup (20g) grated Grana Padano cheese
- 1 cup (50g) fresh rucola (arugula)
- 8–10 slices of speck (or prosciutto for a substitute)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory ##Pizza Bel Sit now.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Slowly add warm water and olive oil while mixing until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or its highest setting. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into your desired shape (round or rectangular).
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel lined with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly across the base.
- Add the grated Grana Padano.
5. Bake the Pizza
- Carefully place the pizza in the oven (or slide it onto the pizza stone). Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Add Fresh Toppings
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with rucola and slices of speck. Drizzle with olive oil for a final touch.
7. Slice and Serve
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
- For a Vegetarian Option: Replace speck with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use a store-bought gluten-free pizza dough mix or almond flour dough.
- Cheese Alternatives: For a lactose-free version, use dairy-free mozzarella.
- Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory ##Pizza Bel Sit now.
What to Expect
The Pizza Bel Sit combines a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust with the rich flavor of tomato sauce and creamy melted cheeses. The fresh rucola adds a peppery bite, while the speck introduces a delicate smokiness that ties all the flavors together. It’s light yet indulgent, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made creating Pizza Bel Sit at home a little less daunting and inspired you to try this gourmet twist on a classic Italian favorite. Have you tried making this pizza before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so please leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>
