Roman-style pizza is a classic Italian dish renowned for its thin, crispy crust and minimalist yet flavorful toppings. The history of this pizza traces back to Rome, where it originated as a popular street food. Unlike its thicker, doughier counterparts from other regions of Italy, Roman-style pizza focuses on simplicity and high-quality ingredients.

The dough is traditionally made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil, resulting in a light and airy crust when baked. The toppings are kept minimal but impactful, typically consisting of a vibrant tomato sauce made from ripe San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic fresh basil leaves.

This style of pizza showcases the essence of Italian cuisine—fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with precision to let their natural flavors shine. Over time, Roman-style pizza has gained international recognition and remains a beloved choice for pizza enthusiasts seeking a deliciously crisp and authentic Italian experience.

Ingredients:

- Pizza dough (flour, water, yeast, salt, olive oil)

- Tomato sauce (San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, fresh basil)

- Fresh mozzarella cheese

- Fresh basil leaves

Method of Preparation:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.

  - Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce:

  - Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

  - Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Simmer until the sauce thickens.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

  - Preheat the oven and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

  - Roll out the dough into a thin crust and transfer it to a floured pizza peel.

  - Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.

  - Tear fresh mozzarella cheese and distribute it over the sauce.

  - Sprinkle with additional fresh basil leaves.

4. Bake the Pizza:

  - Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.

  - Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  - Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Roman-style pizza with its deliciously crisp crust and flavorful toppings!

Nutrition Value:

1. Pizza Dough (per serving):

- Calories: Around 150-200 calories per slice, depending on thickness and size.

- Carbohydrates: Provides energy with about 30-40 grams per serving.

- Protein: Contains about 4-6 grams per slice, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

- Fat: Typically low in fat, with around 1-3 grams per slice.

- Sodium: Contains some sodium, usually around 200-300 milligrams per slice.

- Cholesterol: Generally cholesterol-free.

- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (from flour) and minerals like iron and magnesium.

- Nutritional Benefits: Provides energy from carbohydrates, some protein for satiety, and essential nutrients from flour, such as iron for healthy blood cells and B vitamins for metabolism.

2. Tomato Sauce (per serving):

- Calories: About 30-50 calories per serving, depending on portion size.

- Carbohydrates: Contains around 5-8 grams per serving.

- Protein: Minimal protein content, usually less than 1 gram per serving.

- Fat: Low in fat, typically less than 1 gram per serving.

- Sodium: Can vary but usually around 100-200 milligrams per serving.

- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

- Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C, providing antioxidants, and also contains vitamin A, potassium, and other minerals from tomatoes and garlic.

- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Garlic adds flavor and provides immune-boosting properties.

3. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (per serving):

- Calories: Around 70-100 calories per ounce (28 grams).

- Carbohydrates: Minimal carbs, less than 1 gram per ounce.

- Protein: Provides about 6-7 grams of protein per ounce.

- Fat: Contains around 5-7 grams of fat per ounce.

- Sodium: Varies but can be significant, around 150-250 milligrams per ounce.

- Cholesterol: Contains cholesterol, typically around 15-25 milligrams per ounce.

- Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

- Nutritional Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium for bone health and vitamin B12 for nerve function.

4. Fresh Basil Leaves (per serving):

- Calories: Very low in calories, about 1-2 calories per tablespoon.

- Carbohydrates: Minimal carbs, less than 1 gram per tablespoon.

- Protein: Negligible protein content.

- Fat: Almost no fat content.

- Sodium: Low in sodium.

- Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

- Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

- Nutritional Benefits: Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and volatile oils, which may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Also a good source of vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health.

Overall, a pizza made with these ingredients can be a balanced meal when portioned appropriately, providing carbohydrates for energy, protein for satiety, and essential nutrients from tomatoes, cheese, and basil. However, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially with cheese, which can be high in sodium and fat.