PIZZA BIANCA or FOCACCIA

There are a few "secrets" for making a good pizza.

1. use lukewarm bottle water (tap water is too hard);
2. avoid the contact between salt and yeast as the first prevents the second to serve its function.
3. the best place for the dough to rise is the oven (switched off!)

Remember that you can make the dough the day before, it will save you time, especially if you make it for lunch. Or you can make it in the morning for the evening.

Ingredients for a 32*40 baking tray (enough for 3/4 people)

500 grams plain flour (or, if you prefer a thicker and softer base, use strong white bread flour)
1 sachet dried yeast (7 gr) or 2 teaspoons dried yeast
1 teaspoons sugar 
10 gr salt 
250 mls water 
3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil


Pour half of the water in a bowl with the yeast and the sugar and stir to dissolve, then leave to rest in a warm place for ten minutes. Pour the other half of the water in a second bowl with the salt and stir to dissolve.

Sift the flour into a large bowl, make a well in the centre and pour in the water with the yeast and that with the salt. Add also the olive oil.

Mix to form a soft and slightly sticky dough. Add some water or some flour if you need it, until you have achieved the correct consistency.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and lightly flour your hands. Knead the dough for ten minutes until it is smooth and pliable.

When finished, put the dough inside the bowl dusted with flour (remember that it has to be large, as the dough will double in size) and cover with a dishtowel. Set aside in a warm place (20 degrees) for 2-3 hours. (I usually put it inside the -turned off!- oven.)

Now turn on the oven to 250 degrees and cut a piece of baking paper the size of the tray.
When the dough has doubled in size, remove the towel and punch the dough down. Remove from the bowl and knead again until smooth. Roll down the dough onto the baking paper, then put it on the tray. Adjust the shape with your fingers.

Now brush it with some olive oil and sprinkle the pizza with some rosemary (the quantity depends on how much you like it!) and some salt.

Put your pizza in the oven, cook for 10 minutes and then....enjoy!!!! It is good with some salami, ham, cheese, salad...or just by its own.