But achieving the perfect slice, with its tantalising blend of textures and flavours, requires more than just good dough and toppings or following a recipe you’ve found online. It's an art form, especially when using a pizza oven. The good news is that there are some tried-and-true tips to achieve that irresistibly crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese every time.
Your property inspiration
This four-bedroom haven in Poortview is tailor-made if you love to play host. There’s so much potential for pool parties, braais on the raised deck, card games on the patio, or cricket matches on the manicured lawns. But the cherry tomato on top? That would be the wood-burning pizza oven strategically leading off the lounge. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through, as you whip up informal lunches or dinners, creating unforgettable moments with family and friends.
Become a pizza oven pro
Cooking with an indoor or outdoor pizza oven can be a learning curve. It can also be a challenge if you’ve inherited yours from a previous owner and don’t have a manual. But this advice will help and the most important part is to have fun.
Use the right tools: Invest in a good quality pizza peel as this will help you easily slide your pizza in and out of the oven without any mishaps.
Prep your ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients. Fresh mozzarella, basil, and other toppings not only taste better but also help your pizza cook evenly. It’s best to gather this and have it in order so you’re ready to get started.
Experiment with flavours: While classics are timeless, don't shy away from trying new combinations. Ever considered fig and prosciutto or pear with gorgonzola? Your pizza oven is the perfect playground for exploration.
Go easy on the toppings: In your excitement, it can be easy to overload your pizza with too many ingredients. Keeping it simple ensures a crisp crust and balanced flavours.
Master the dough: This is the foundation of a good pizza. Invest time in creating a well-rested dough for a chewy, crispy crust. There are plenty of premade doughs on the market but you’ll have a lot of fun making your own. If you choose a refrigerated option, remember to let it warm up to room temperature for an hour before you use it.
Fire up quality wood: If your pizza oven is wood burning, it’s best to use a high-grade, dry hardwood that will burn slowly and cleanly. Good options include oak, maple, or ash that will last long and won’t engulf your pizza in smoke.
Be generous with flour: It can be a pain when the dough sticks to the peel. Covering it with a dollop of flour will cut out friction and make a smooth transfer of pizza into the oven. Semolina’s coarse texture works well to prevent sticking and the formation of lumps, while also being heat-resistant.
Preheat your oven: Before sliding in that pizza, ensure your oven reaches the ideal temperature. A good rule of thumb is to let the flames roll over the dome for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your oven size. This ensures an even heat distribution.
Rotate your pizza regularly: As your pizza cooks, remember to rotate it every 30 seconds or so. This ensures an evenly baked crust and prevents one side from getting more charred than the other.
Mind the flame: Always keep an eye on the flame. If it's too high, it can cause the top of your pizza to burn before the crust is done. It can take trial and error to get a good placement that helps your pizza cook evenly.
Lift it to the dome: Once your pizza is fully cooked, use your peel and raise the pizza to the oven dome for a few seconds. This can help you brown your pizza more and even give it a crispier feel on the top.
Stay safe when cooking: It may not be a conventional oven but there’s no reason to drop your guard. Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling the pizza or adjusting logs in the oven.
Maintain your oven: After each use, be sure to clean your oven properly. Remove any remaining food particles, ash, wood, and embers. This not only extends the life of your oven but ensures the best flavour for your next pizza party.
Practice makes perfect. The more you use your pizza oven, the better you'll become at determining the nuances of temperature control and cooking times. So, keep experimenting, enjoy the process, and savour every slice you create!
Your pizza oven FAQs answered
1. What is the benefit of having a pizza oven?
Having a pizza oven can bring much joy to your home. Besides preparing delicious pizzas, they can be used to make other dishes like roasts, lasagne, and apple crumble. They can help you whip up dishes quickly, are easy to use when you get the hang of them, and make wonderful entertainment features. It can be a lot of fun putting together toppings and watching the flickering flames do their work. With a wood-fired oven, in particular, you not only achieve impeccable cooking results but also infuse your pizza with a unique smoky flavour that's impossible to replicate in conventional ovens.
2. Can you use a pizza oven in the house?
Yes, you can. There are several electric and gas pizza oven options available on the market. Like the Poortview home, you can even enjoy a wood-burning pizza oven provided it’s installed with proper ventilation and safety features.
Your home should inspire you
Mastering the art of the perfect pizza takes time, but with these tips, you're well on your way to creating mouthwatering masterpieces. And if you’d like a home with a pizza oven feature, you have property professionals in your area who can make it happen. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty is well known for curating exceptional homes with sought-after features. Browse our listings and get in touch with our team of property professionals today.
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