A Classic Italian Pizza Recipe From Storecupboard Ingredients

When I asked my son what was his favourite food, his immediate answer was "mums homemade pizza". In fact, this was the meal that I most often used to "throw together" whenever my children had friends unexpectedly join us for a meal.

Whilst Elizabeth David was probably the one to popularise Italian cooking in the mid-1950's, the person who really inspired me to try it for myself was Antonio Carluccio who wrote with real passion about the food of his homeland.

Here's a simple pizza recipe that everyone will love - though few may associate it with the versions that you find in the freezer cabinet at the supermarket.

Traditional Italian Pizza (Neopolitan style)

Ingredients

• 500g Bread Mix (Ciabatta or Mixed Grain are my personal preferences)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or crushed
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin if you have it)

Putting this pizza together takes around 20-25 minutes, including preparing the topping.

1. Preheat oven to 220C, GM8
2. Prepare the bread mix, as per packet instructions
3. Heat the oil in a saucepan
4. Add the crushed garlic and fry gently for just a few seconds (do not overcook or it can become bitter)
5. Add the can of chopped tomatoes, reserving some of the liquid
6. Cover & simmer for 15-20 minutes
7. If you make this topping ahead of time, the flavours get even better
8. Season
9. Grease a baking tray with oil
10. Spread out the prepared dough, right to the edges of the tray
11. Spoon out the tomato mix over the dough, as close to the edges as you can
12. Sprinkle with the oregano and drizzle with the remaining oil
13. Bake in hot oven for 10-15 minutes
14. Serve hot!

If you love cheese or pepperoni you can add them on top, but it really isn't necessary, the flavours in this are lovely and fresh all on their own.

This is a great storecupboard recipe that can be quickly prepared with a minimum of ingredients - great whenever you have unexpected guest join you for a meal.

About the Author

Jen regularly travels to France and enjoys the great cuisine and cakes there.

For further ideas for Italian recipes and recipes from neighbouring France , visit Worldwide Recipes.

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