Cooking pizza outdoors is a culinary experience like no other, combining the magic of a wood-fired or gas-powered pizza oven with the thrill of crafting your own delectable creations. The marriage of fresh ingredients, the perfect pizza dough, and the beautiful kiss of open flames brings forth a symphony of flavours and textures that we can’t replicate indoors. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of outdoor pizza cooking, from understanding pizza ovens to creating the ultimate pizza dough, and mastering the techniques needed to achieve that perfect, restaurant-worthy pie. Whether you’re a seasoned pizzaiolo or just starting out, get ready to unlock the secrets to mastering the art of cooking pizza outdoors.
Understanding Pizza Ovens
Pizza ovens are the heart and soul of outdoor pizza cooking. These specialised ovens are designed to reach the high temperatures needed to create that iconic crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings. There are two primary types of pizza ovens used for outdoor cooking:
Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens:
Wood-fired pizza ovens are a time-honoured tradition that dates back centuries. These ovens use wood as the primary fuel source, creating an authentic smoky flavour that’s hard to replicate. The wood’s flames heat the oven to high temperatures, resulting in a beautifully blistered crust and well-cooked toppings. The key to mastering wood-fired ovens is understanding the nuances of temperature control and placement of the pizza within the oven’s chamber.
Top tip: Once you understand the heat also comes from the pizza dome above and the stone below, not just the fire, you’re onto a winner.
Gas-Powered Pizza Ovens:
Gas-powered pizza ovens offer convenience and ease of use. They use gas burners to heat the oven, allowing for precise temperature control and quicker preheating times. While they may lack the traditional smokiness of wood-fired ovens, gas-powered ovens make up for it in terms of consistency and efficiency. These ovens are perfect for those seeking a user-friendly approach to outdoor pizza cooking. such as getting to temperature quickly and avoiding much of the mess of a fire.
Creating the Perfect Pizza Dough
The foundation of a great pizza lies in its dough. Crafting the perfect dough is an art that requires attention to detail and a bit of practice. Here’s how to create a pizza dough that’s sure to impress:
1. Ingredients:
Gather high-quality ingredients – flour, water, yeast, and salt. Opt for high-protein flour for a chewier texture.
2. Mixing:
Combine the flour, water, and yeast, then add salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Allow it to rise until doubled in size.
3. Stretching and Shaping:
Gently stretch and shape the dough into rounds. A thin base cooks through more evenly in the hot pizza ovens, so be prepared to ruin a few bases when you are a beginner until you find a good balance of thinness vs ability to pick up on the pizza peel (the paddle shaped tool for pizza cooking). Use your fingertips to create a raised edge for the crust.
4. Resting:
Allow the dough to rest before stretching it further. This relaxation phase prevents the dough from shrinking during baking.
5. Toppings and Cooking:
Add your favorite toppings and slide the pizza onto a peel dusted with flour or cornmeal. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated outdoor pizza oven and cook until the crust is golden and the toppings are bubbling.
Mastering Pizza Cooking Techniques
Whether you’re using a wood-fired or gas-powered pizza oven, mastering the techniques is key to creating a perfect pizza:
1. Preheating:
Preheat your outdoor pizza oven until it reaches the desired temperature – around 700°F (370°C) to 800°F (425°C) for wood-fired ovens, and around 500°F (260°C) to 600°F (315°C) for gas-powered ovens.
2. Sliding the Pizza:
Use a pizza peel, sprinkled with semolina, to collect the prepared pizza and slide it onto the hot oven floor. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
3. Rotating and Monitoring:
Rotate the pizza occasionally to achieve uniform cooking. Keep a close eye on the pizza to avoid overcooking or burning, which can happen swiftly.
4. Timing:
Cooking times vary depending on oven type and temperature. A wood-fired pizza may cook in as little as 90 seconds, while a gas-powered oven may take 3-5 minutes (quicker for a smaller oven).
Delicious Pizza Recipes for Every Palate
Experiment with an array of pizza recipes to tantalize your taste buds:
1. Classic Margherita: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt.
2. Pepperoni Perfection: Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
3. Mediterranean Delight: Pesto sauce, grilled chicken, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
4. BBQ Chicken Feast: BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, red onion, bell peppers, mozzarella, and cilantro.
5. Veggie Extravaganza: Tomato sauce, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, olives, spinach, and your favorite cheese blend.
Best Practices for Oven Fuel and Type
1. Wood-Fired Ovens:
Choose hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory for a flavorful smokiness. Allow the wood to burn down to embers for consistent heat.
2. Gas-Powered Ovens:
Use propane or natural gas for clean and efficient fuel. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe usage.
3. Oven Type Selection:
Select an oven type that aligns with your cooking preferences and available space. Consider factors like convenience, flavour, and ease of use.
With a solid understanding of outdoor pizza ovens, perfect pizza dough, cooking techniques, and an array of simple but mouth watering recipes, you’re well-equipped to master the art of cooking pizza outdoors. Whether you opt for the timeless allure of a wood-fired oven or the modern convenience of a gas-powered one, the joy of creating your own delicious pizzas under the open sky is an experience to savour. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up your oven, and embark on a journey of pizza perfection that will have your family and friends clamouring for more.
