Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Water: 350 ml (lukewarm)
• Sugar: 1 tsp
• Fresh yeast: 18 g (or 6 g dry yeast)
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Vegetable oil: 40 ml
• Flour: 550 g

For the Tomato Sauce:

• “Krasnodar” sauce (or another tomato-based sauce): 3-4 tbsp
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
• Salt: To taste
• Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp

For the Toppings:

• Onion: 1-2 medium onions
• Salami: 80 g (sliced)
• Mushrooms (button mushrooms): 8-9 small mushrooms
• Mozzarella cheese: 300 g (grated)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine 350 ml of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add the fresh yeast (or dry yeast if using) and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast and ensures the dough will rise properly.
2. Mix the dough ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast mixture. Gradually add the vegetable oil and mix everything together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 3-4 tablespoons of “Krasnodar” sauce (or any tomato-based sauce), 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well to create a smooth sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your taste if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

1. Slice the vegetables: Peel and thinly slice the onions. Clean the mushrooms and slice them into thin pieces. If your salami isn’t pre-sliced, cut it into thin rounds.
2. Grate the mozzarella: Grate 300 grams of mozzarella cheese and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the maximum temperature. Ideally, this should be around 250°C (480°F). If your oven has a convection setting, use it for even cooking.
2. Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to fit your baking tray, approximately 35×40 cm (or any large size you prefer). The dough should be about 1/2 cm thick.
3. Add the tomato sauce: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
4. Add the toppings: Distribute the sliced onions, mushrooms, and salami evenly over the sauce.
5. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Final Bake

1. Add the mozzarella: After the pizza has baked for 15 minutes, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously on top.
2. Return to the oven: Place the pizza back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and give it a bubbly, golden finish.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Slice and serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it into pieces and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh yeast for a better rise: Fresh yeast gives the dough a better flavor and texture, but if you don’t have it, dry yeast works just fine. Just remember to reduce the amount to 6 grams.
• Preheat the oven to the highest setting: A high oven temperature ensures that the pizza bakes quickly and the crust becomes crispy. If your oven goes up to 250°C, use this setting for the best results.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add bell peppers, olives, jalapeños, or even switch out salami for pepperoni or prosciutto.
• Don’t overload the pizza: While it may be tempting to add a lot of toppings, overloading the pizza can result in a soggy crust. Keep the toppings evenly spread and not too thick.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil and placed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore the crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pizza before baking or freeze leftover slices. If freezing an unbaked pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and bake as directed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
   • Yes, store-bought pizza dough can save time if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to let it rise according to the package instructions before rolling it out.
2. What if I don’t have “Krasnodar” sauce?
   • You can substitute “Krasnodar” sauce with any tomato-based sauce, such as marinara or pizza sauce. You can even use canned crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
3. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make the dough with gluten-free flour or use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust. Adjust the liquid quantities if needed, as gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently.
4. Can I cook the pizza without a convection setting?
   • Absolutely! If your oven doesn’t have a convection setting, just bake the pizza at the highest possible temperature. It might take a few minutes longer, but you’ll still get a crispy crust.

Conclusion

This homemade pizza with salami and mushrooms is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh toppings, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella makes for a pizza that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, making your pizza at home allows you to customize every aspect, from the dough to the toppings, making it truly your own creation.

Enjoy the process of crafting this tasty pizza, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!