Lesser-known health benefits of Sourdough Pizza

In today's fast-paced world, where the pursuit of wellness often feels like an uphill battle against the temptations of convenience and indulgence, finding a balance between health and satisfaction can seem like an elusive goal in a menu of salads and soups. However, what if we told you that there's a way to satisfy your cravings without compromising your well-being? Enter sourdough pizza – a culinary marvel that marries the timeless appeal of pizza with the wholesome goodness of sourdough.

At first glance, pizza might not seem like the epitome of health food. Yet, beneath its cheesy exterior lies the potential for a nourishing meal that delights the senses and nurtures the body. With its roots in ancient baking traditions, sourdough pizza offers a fresh perspective on this beloved dish, transforming it from a guilty pleasure into a wellness booster. By harnessing the power of fermentation and wholesome ingredients, sourdough pizza stands as a testament to the idea that food can be both delicious and nutritious. So, let's explore the world of home-made sourdough pizza and discover how this doughy delight can elevate your well-being one slice at a time.

Ingredient Control: Unlike traditional takeout pizza, homemade pizzas offer complete control over what goes on your pizza. Opting for basic ingredients within the dough, instead of the stabilizers and preservatives commonly found in takeout pizza, sourdough pizza instead provides additional fiber and nutrients. This customization allows you to create a more balanced and nutritious pizza, nurturing your culinary creativity and leading to a rewarding experience.

Also Read: Pizza can make you more productive at work, finds a study

Digestive Ease: For those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances, traditional pizza dough can pose a challenge. The addition of sourdough starter in the process is what differentiates the sourdough pizza dough and leads to digestive ease. The fermentation process releases two key microorganisms; wild yeast which gives the dough it’s signature light texture, and lactic acid bacteria which breaks down the gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest.

Nutritional Riches: Sourdough pizza isn't just empty carbs; it's a nutritional powerhouse. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, making them more readily absorbed by the body.

Balanced Blood Sugar: Unlike pizzas made with commercial yeast, which often make you feel bloated, sourdough pizza has a lower glycemic index. This means that it causes a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar levels, helping to prevent spikes and crashes. By choosing sourdough pizza, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the fluctuations in sugar levels.

Also Read:5 ways to make pizza without an oven and yeast

Satiety & Satisfaction: The unique texture and distinct flavor profile of sourdough pizza offer a truly satisfying dining experience. By opting for sourdough pizza, you can have guilt-free indulgence that meets your nutritional requirements and your taste buds.

The key ingredient in sourdough is the sourdough starter – this is a living organism and needs nurturing to maintain its health properties. It ages like fine wine and the older it is the more complex the dough and flavour becomes.

Here's how you can make your own sourdough pizza dough at home:

Ingredients: Sourdough starter (a naturally fermented mixture of flour and water), flour, olive oil, and salt.
Method:
1. Combine the sourdough starter and water in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour and salt. Mix with a fork, and then finish by hand to fully incorporate the flour.
2. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. After resting, return to the bowl and fold the dough over itself several times, using the stretch and fold method, and shape it into a rough ball. The dough is ready to rise.

3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled high-sided container and let it rest ideally for 48-72 hours or 10-12+ hours, until it has almost doubled in size.
4. Coat a non-stick baking pan with olive oil. Remove the dough directly into the pan and gently dimple and stretch the dough to reach the corners and sides of the pan.
5. Cover the pan with an inverted baking sheet and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes has passed, return to the pan and dimple the dough again. The dough should be ready to bake now.

6. Bake the dough at 450°F for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. After baking the dough add tomato sauce and bake it for 12mins then add the other preferred topping.

So, the next time you're in the mood for some pizza, consider choosing sourdough for a truly transformative dining experience. With its wholesome ingredients, gut-friendly properties, and delicious taste, it's a culinary experience that nourishes you from the inside out - Enjoy the doughy delight of sourdough pizza, and savor the goodness with every bite.

Contributed by: Ayush Jatia – Founder of Si Nonna’s

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