Pizza a la Uruguaya (Estilo Buenos Aires)
A distinct style of pizza popular in Uruguay, influenced by Argentine pizza, characterized by a thick, focaccia-like crust, generous amounts of cheese, and often a sweet tomato sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 10 g Instant yeast
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 300 ml Warm water
- 3 tbsp Olive oil(for dough and pan)
- 1 cup Tomato sauce(slightly sweet)
- 400 g Mozzarella cheese(shredded)
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- 50 g Optional: Sliced olives
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💡 Tip: Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate yeast. - 2
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
💡 Tip: A warm oven with the light on can be a good spot for rising. - 3
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease a 25-30 cm (10-12 inch) round pizza pan or cast-iron skillet generously with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
💡 Tip: Generous oiling creates a crispy bottom crust. - 4
Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan, creating a thick crust. Let it rest for another 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Use oiled hands to prevent sticking. - 5
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and dried oregano. Add olives if using.
💡 Tip: A slightly sweet tomato sauce is traditional for this style. - 6
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
💡 Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. - 7
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer crust, you can add a bit more olive oil to the dough.
- ✓If you don't have a pizza pan, a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully.
- ✓The key is a generous amount of cheese and a slightly sweet sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add sliced ham or pepperoni for a 'pizza de jamón y queso'.
- Top with a fried egg after baking for a 'pizza a caballo'.