Pizza Diavola, often referred to as the “Devil’s Pizza,” is a fiery, flavorful dish known for its spicy and robust taste profile.
The name “Diavola” signifies its devilish heat, making it a popular choice among spice enthusiasts.
Let us talk about the process of making pizza Diavola.
Ingredients
Let us start with the ingredients:
Pizza Dough:
- High-gluten flour
- Yeast
- Water
- Salt
- Olive oil
Pizza Sauce:
- San Marzano tomatoes (or regular tomatoes if unavailable)
- Garlic (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Salt
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Oregano (optional)
- Thyme (optional)
Cheeses:
- Fresh mozzarella (Fior di Latte or regular mozzarella)
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional)
Meats:
- Spicy salami (Spianata Picante, Hot Sopressata, or Calabrese)
- Crumbled pork sausage (optional)
Vegetables and Extras:
- Hot chili peppers (serrano, Calabrian, or habaneros)
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh basil leaves
Seasonings and Condiments:
- Chili flakes or chili powder
- Olive oil
- Hot honey (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide for Preparing Pizza Diavola
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to the highest possible temperature, typically around 500 °F or260°C.
- Place a pizza stone in the oven during preheating to mimic the effects of a wood-fired oven, helping to achieve a crispy crust.
Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to an even thickness, usually about 1/4 inch.
- Ensure the dough is not too thick (which might not cook through properly) or too thin (which could become overly crispy or tear).
Prepare the Sauce:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Avoid using too much sauce to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
Prepare the Toppings:
- Slice the mozzarella, salami, and chili peppers into even pieces.
- If the mozzarella is particularly wet, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Distribute the toppings evenly to ensure every bite is balanced and flavorful.
Pre-Bake the Dough:
- Pre-bake the dough in the oven for 2 minutes to help prevent sogginess.
Assemble the Pizza:
- After pre-baking, add the sauce, cheese, salami, chili peppers, olives, and any other desired toppings.
- Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to enhance the crust’s crispiness and the toppings’ flavors
Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully place the assembled pizza in the oven on the preheated pizza stone.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
- The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown with some charred spots.
Finish and Serve:
- Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Summary
Experiment with ingredients and techniques to make this Pizza Diavola recipe your own.
Enjoy the process of creating and savoring a spicy, flavorful homemade pizza.
