Fried pizza with mortadella and fior di latte cheese

Step 1

To prepare fried pizza with mortadella and fior di latte cheese , first of all let the water run from the tap and when cool take the amount required by the recipe and pour it into a large bowl. Add the brewer's yeast 1 and dissolve it with your hands 2 . Sift the flour into a bowl, add the salt 3

Step 2

and stir with the back of a wooden ladle 4 . Add almost half of the flour 5 and stir with the spoon until you get a batter 6 . Perform these operations slowly to allow the flour to absorb the water.

Step 3

Add the remaining flour by sprinkling at intervals 7 , this way the dough will be softer and you will be able to better adjust the amount of flour needed. As soon as you have incorporated with the wooden spoon all the flour you need, start kneading with your hands inside the bowl 8 , bringing the dough back inwards and collecting the flour on the inner sides of the bowl as you go. When the bowl is clean, transfer the dough to the worktop: it will still have an uneven, but compact consistency. Add a tiny amount of flour and fold for 2-3 minutes, adding very little flour if necessary. The dough must not be too smooth. Now continue to knead the dough in folding and stretching motions: throw the dough down on your worktop by grabbing the dough in half so that a fold is created, then stretch it and carry it forward to fold on itself again 9 . These movements are important to allow the gluten texture to form and incorporate air inside. Repeat this kneading technique up to about 10 times. Excessive kneading will result in a tougher dough.

Step 4

Shape the dough into a loaf and leave it on the worktop, covered with plastic wrap 10 . After 10-15 minutes, the dough will have become smooth, silky and more compact. This stage is also known as the first rise. Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle a little flour, and cut in the middle  11 to make a loaf 12 .

Step 5

You get 4 portions, about 5 oz (170 g) each 13 . Rotate each portion on the worktop, without pinching too hard 14 , but tuck in well the edges on the bottom 15 .

Step 6

You now have 4 perfectly round balls. Transfer them into a food box, spaced at least 1 inch (2 cm) 16 apart. Cover with the lid and leave to rise for 6-8 hours in a cool place, checking the rising from time to time. Now prepare your fillings. Coarsely cut the mortadella 17 . Cut the fior di latte, first into slices and then into small pieces 18 .

Step 7

Transfer the ricotta into a bowl, add water 19 and stir until smooth and creamy 20 . When the dough has risen, heat the oil to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). Using a well floured spatula, lift up a small ball of dough 21 .

Step 8

Place it on the worktop and with dry hands flatten it 22 , you will have to get a smaller disc than the usual pizza. Place 1/4 of the ricotta in the middle leaving a 1 1/4-inch (3 cm) edge. Add a little fior di latte 23 , a little mortadella 24 ,

Step 9

freshly grated black pepper 25 and basil leaves 26 . Close the pizza to form a half circle 27 ,

Step 10

pressing with your fingers to seal the edges 28 , lift it gently, turn it upside down 29 and make sure all its edges are sealed well. As you lift it up to transfer it to the frying skillet it will stretch. Place it in the hot oil 30 .

Step 11

Use two skimmers, with one hold the pizza and with the other move the oil on top. Wait a few moments 31 , turn it upside down and continue cooking until it is golden brown 32 . Drain it, place it on a tray lined with paper towels 33 and continue making and frying the remaining pizzas. Enjoy the hot fried pizzas !