17th June 2023

Pizza alla Vodka Con Nduja

Calling all pizza lovers! If you’re looking to elevate your pizza night with a burst of exciting flavours, look no further than Pizza Alla Vodka Con Nduja. This unique pizza creation combines a homemade dough with a rich and creamy vodka sauce, perfectly complemented by the spicy kick of nduja and the ooey-gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving slice after slice. Let’s dive into this fun and engaging recipe!

Pizza alla vodka con nduja, sliced with a slice being pulled away from the whole pizza.

What is nduja?

Nduja, a fiery spreadable salami originating from Calabria, Italy, has gained popularity in the culinary world for its unique taste and versatility. This spicy delicacy dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in Calabrian tradition. Made from a blend of pork, Calabrian chili peppers, and spices, nduja is traditionally aged and then preserved in jars or casings. Its vibrant red color and intense heat make it a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine. Today, nduja is used in various ways, from spreading it on crusty bread or incorporating it into pasta sauces, pizzas, and even soups. Its rich and smoky flavor adds a distinct kick to dishes, elevating them to new levels of culinary delight. Whether enjoyed as a condiment or as a star ingredient, nduja continues to captivate taste buds and bring a touch of Calabrian heat to kitchens around the world.

And how do we say it??

“Nduja” is pronounced as “en-DOO-yah.” The “n” is pronounced like the letter “en” in English. The “d” is a soft sound, similar to the “d” in “door.” The “u” is pronounced like the “oo” sound in “moon,” and the “j” is pronounced like the “y” in “yes.” So, when saying “nduja,” emphasize the second syllable and make sure to pronounce the “oo” sound clearly.
NDUJA!

To make this on your next pizza night, you need:

For the Dough:

220 mL warm water
9 g instant yeast
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
400 g plain flour
40 ml extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for oiling the bowl)

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed, and sliced
400 g can of crushed San Marzano or mini Roma tomatoes (or any kind you have at home)
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Chili flakes to taste
1/2 tsp brown sugar
Scant 1/4 cup vodka
3 tbsp cream

Toppings:

Mozzarella cheese
Nduja (or pepperoni/cabanossi/salami)

Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Mix for 30 seconds.
- Add salt, flour, and olive oil. Knead on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel or a plate, and let it double in size for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Sauce:
- While the dough is proving, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, chili flakes, brown sugar, and vodka. Stir and simmer for 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Stir in the cream and let the sauce thicken on the lowest heat for 20 minutes. Set aside.

Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C fan-forced. Punch down the dough and press it evenly onto a pizza tray lined with baking paper.
- Top the dough with the prepared sauce, torn pieces of mozzarella cheese, and chunks of nduja.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Slice and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice it into mouthwatering pieces.
- Enjoy your Pizza Alla Vodka Con Nduja with your favorite beverages and share this unique and flavorful pizza experience with friends and family!

Say goodbye to boring pizzas and welcome the exciting and fiery flavours of Pizza Alla Vodka Con Nduja! With a homemade dough, a creamy vodka sauce, and the boldness of nduja, this pizza will captivate your taste

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