Italian Bacon Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon black tea powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound Italian bacon (pancetta), diced
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cornmeal, for dusting the pizza stone or baking sheet

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to enhance the flavor of the pizza crust.

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Add 2 cups of flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well to form a dough. If needed, add more flour to make a soft, manageable dough.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Bacon and Toppings:

• Preheat your oven to the highest setting, usually around 500°F (260°C). Line a pizza stone or baking sheet with parchment paper and dust with cornmeal.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to the prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.

Marinate the Bacon:

• Place the diced Italian bacon in a shallow dish and pour the cooled black tea marinade over it. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the marinated Italian bacon evenly over the sauce.
• Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the torn fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Pizza:

• Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the pizza and serve immediately, enjoying the combination of the crispy crust, savory bacon, and melted cheese.
• Enjoy your Italian Bacon Pizza with a hint of black tea flavor, perfect for a casual dinner or a pizza night with friends. The unique tea marinade adds a depth of flavor that elevates this classic pizza to new heights.