Pizza Norcina Recipe: A Taste of Umbria
Norcina
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
- Pizza Cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups 450g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups 300ml warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet 7g active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup 250g tomato passata
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 3 tbsp Philadelphia cream cheese
- 2 salsiccia di Norcia Italian pork sausages, crumbled
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 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 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Toppings
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone in the oven if you have one.
- Mix the tomato passata and marinara sauce in a small bowl.
- Crumble the salsiccia di Norcia and cook it in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Assemble the Pizza
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas (or keep it whole for one large pizza).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with flour.
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato-marinara mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Add small dollops of Philadelphia cheese.
- Top with crumbled salsiccia di Norcia.
- Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (onto the stone if using) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy the authentic taste of Norcia in every bite!
- Variations and Tips
- Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy chili oil.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
Pizza Norcina is a delightful Italian pizza inspired by the flavors of Norcia, a town renowned for its high-quality sausages and traditional recipes. This savory pizza features tomato passata, marinara sauce, creamy Philadelphia cheese, shredded mozzarella, and the flavorful salsiccia di Norcia. From my own personal experience, this pizza captures the essence of rustic Italian cuisine, blending simple ingredients with bold, comforting flavors. Let me show you how I make this crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
#Pizza Norcina #ad
Notes on What to Expect When Making Pizza Norcina
- Dough Consistency:
- When kneading the dough, it should be soft, slightly tacky, and elastic. If it feels too sticky, dust it with a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the dough light.
- During the rising stage, expect the dough to double in size and feel airy and pliable once ready.
- Topping Preparation:
- The tomato passata and marinara sauce mixture will be vibrant and slightly tangy. Taste it before spreading to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
- The salsiccia di Norcia will release its rich, aromatic flavor when cooked, adding a savory depth to the pizza.
- Rolling Out the Dough:
- Rolling the dough may take some practice to achieve an even thickness. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfectly round—this rustic look adds to the charm.
- Use enough flour to prevent sticking, but not so much that it alters the texture.
- Baking Dynamics:
- Keep a close eye on the pizza while it bakes. The cheese should melt and bubble, and the crust should turn golden brown without burning.
- A pizza stone will help achieve a crispier base, but a preheated baking sheet works well too.
- Flavor Balance:
- The creamy Philadelphia cheese and the robust salsiccia di Norcia complement the rich tomato sauce perfectly, creating a balance of flavors.
- Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness, while a drizzle of olive oil enhances the pizza’s richness.
- Serving Experience:
- Once baked, the pizza will be aromatic with hints of garlic, herbs, and savory sausage. The crust will have a delightful crunch paired with a soft interior.
- Serve immediately for the best experience, as the cheese and toppings are at their peak flavor when fresh and warm.
Making Pizza Norcina is as much about enjoying the process as it is about savoring the final result. Expect a rewarding experience that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Time to Stand (Dough Rising): 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories Per Serving: ~450 kcal
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
- Pizza cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Norcina now.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup (250g) tomato passata
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 3 tbsp Philadelphia cream cheese
- 2 salsiccia di Norcia (Italian pork sausages), crumbled
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Norcina now.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 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 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Toppings
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone in the oven if you have one.
- Mix the tomato passata and marinara sauce in a small bowl.
- Crumble the salsiccia di Norcia and cook it in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Assemble the Pizza
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas (or keep it whole for one large pizza).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with flour.
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato-marinara mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Add small dollops of Philadelphia cheese.
- Top with crumbled salsiccia di Norcia.
4. Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (onto the stone if using) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
5. Serve
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy the authentic taste of Norcia in every bite!
Variations and Tips
- Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy chili oil.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
- Tips:
- For a crispier crust, preheat the baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the dough.
- If salsiccia di Norcia isn’t available, use any high-quality Italian sausage.
- Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Dietary Substitutions:
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free crust.
- Swap Philadelphia cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and mozzarella with vegan shredded cheese for a dairy-free version.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Norcina now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Notes on What to Expect
Expect a pizza with a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust, rich tomato flavor, and creamy, savory toppings. The salsiccia di Norcia provides a hearty, seasoned taste that pairs beautifully with the mild tanginess of the Philadelphia cheese.
Feedback Invitation
I hope this guide has made making Pizza Norcina seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before, or did this recipe inspire you to give it a go? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts.
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! =>>
