Pizza Zia Lulu Recipe
Table of Contents
TogglePizza Zia Lulu
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Baking tray or pizza stone
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups 300g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- ¾ cup 180ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Toppings
- 1 cup 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can 90g Simmenthal beef, sliced or shredded
- 4 –6 slices sottiletta cheese
- 1 cup 100g fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
- ½ cup 120g tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 20–30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone inside if using, or prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12-inch (30cm) circle.
- Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking tray or pizza stone.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the Simmenthal beef and fresh mushrooms across the pizza.
- Lay the slices of sottiletta cheese on top of the toppings for a creamy finish.
- Sprinkle dried oregano for added flavor.
- Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice and serve immediately with a side salad or your favorite beverage.
- Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Replace Simmenthal with marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or more mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust mix and follow the package instructions for the dough.
- Low-Calorie: Use low-fat mozzarella and skip the sottiletta.
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers for a fresh, crunchy texture.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a more fragrant pizza.
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious Italian pizza that combines rich mozzarella, the savory touch of Simmenthal (Italian canned beef), creamy slices of sottiletta (melted cheese slices), and fresh, earthy mushrooms, you’re in for a treat with Pizza Zia Lulu. From my own personal experience, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. It’s a fantastic option for both pizza enthusiasts and those looking to explore something different.
Let me show you how I make this incredible pizza from scratch. Follow along with this step-by-step guide that’s beginner-friendly, with tips and variations to make it your own.
Notes on What to Expect When Making Pizza Zia Lulu
- Dough Consistency:
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Kneading helps develop elasticity, giving the pizza a nice, chewy crust. Don’t worry if it feels a bit rough initially after resting, it will become smoother. - Flavor Combination:
The mix of creamy sottiletta cheese, fresh mushrooms, and savory Simmenthal beef creates a rich and unique flavor profile. The mozzarella acts as a binding cheese, ensuring the toppings stay in place and melt beautifully. - Cooking Process:
- While baking, the edges of the crust will puff up slightly and turn golden brown.
- The sottiletta will melt smoothly over the toppings, forming a creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the fresh mushrooms.
- The Simmenthal beef will slightly crisp on the edges, adding a delightful texture.
- Aroma:
As the pizza bakes, you’ll notice the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese, earthy mushrooms, and oregano wafting through your kitchen. It’s a sensory experience that makes the wait worthwhile! - Presentation:
The pizza will have a colorful and rustic appearance, with golden-brown crust edges and vibrant toppings. Fresh basil adds a final pop of green, enhancing the visual appeal. - Taste and Texture:
- The crust will be thin yet sturdy enough to hold the toppings, with a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
- The balance of creamy sottiletta, savory beef, and fresh mushrooms offers a delightful combination of textures in every bite.
- The oregano and fresh basil provide a fragrant and slightly herbal finish.
- Time Management:
While the steps are simple, the dough’s rising time requires a bit of patience. However, this can be a great moment to prep your toppings and set the mood for your pizza-making experience.
By keeping these notes in mind, you’ll know exactly what to expect as you make and enjoy Pizza Zia Lulu.
Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350 per slice (based on 8 slices per pizza)
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 cup (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (90g) Simmenthal beef, sliced or shredded
- 4–6 slices sottiletta cheese
- 1 cup (100g) fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (120g) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Zia Lulu now.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray or pizza stone
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Zia Lulu now.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 20–30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone inside if using, or prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12-inch (30cm) circle.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking tray or pizza stone.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the Simmenthal beef and fresh mushrooms across the pizza.
- Lay the slices of sottiletta cheese on top of the toppings for a creamy finish.
- Sprinkle dried oregano for added flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice and serve immediately with a side salad or your favorite beverage.
Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Replace Simmenthal with marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or more mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust mix and follow the package instructions for the dough.
- Low-Calorie: Use low-fat mozzarella and skip the sottiletta.
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers for a fresh, crunchy texture.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a more fragrant pizza.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Zia Lulu now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Notes on What to Expect
This pizza has a perfect harmony of creamy and savory flavors, thanks to the combination of sottiletta, mozzarella, and Simmenthal. The mushrooms add an earthy touch, while the oregano and basil tie it all together. The crust is thin and crispy, making each bite satisfying and light.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this recipe for Pizza Zia Lulu has inspired you to try something new and exciting. Has this guide made making pizza at home seem a little less daunting? Or have you tried something similar before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person 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! =>>