Pugliese Pizza

Ingredients

Pizza dough

1 ball, about 14 ounces

Tomato sauce

1/2 cup

Mozzarella cheese

1 cup, shredded

Cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup, halved

Black olives

1/4 cup, sliced

Anchovy fillets

6

Extra virgin olive oil

for drizzling

Salt and pepper

to taste

Fresh basil leaves

a handful, torn

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Aim for a thin crust to achieve the classic Pugliese style.
3. Carefully transfer your rolled dough onto a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
6. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and anchovy fillets on top of the cheese.
7. Season your pizza with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the anchovies will add a salty flavor, so go light on the salt.
8. Drizzle the pizza with extra virgin olive oil, giving it that authentic Italian finish.
9. Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The crust should turn a beautiful golden color, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
10. Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
11. Before serving, garnish your pizza with the torn fresh basil leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a wonderful freshness to the dish.
12. Slice your pizza and enjoy a piece of Puglia right at home!