Swedish Capricciosa (Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Pizza)
Still got leftover ham? Like yesterday we will be using again that leftover ham you got in that fridge. Another great idea is to use them as a pizza topping so for this post we will make the classic Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Pizza. This pizza might be a popular flavour but did you know that this originated from the Swedish Capricciosa? Yes Sweden have their own pizza, it also had originated for the Italians and became popular in the region during the 1970’s. The pizza you find in Sweden are mostly Neapolitan type and they commonly serve Margherita, Capricciosa and Quattro Stagioni but slightly altered from the original recipe, like the Swedish Margherita that uses hard cheese and dried oregano instead of mozzarella and fresh basil, and this recipe where the Swedish Capricciosa uses only tomato, cheese, mushrooms and ham leaving out artichokes and olives.
Ingredients (Pizza Crust)
2 1/4 tsp yeast
1/3 cup water, Warm
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry oregano leaves
1 cup water, cold
3 1/4 cup all-purpose flour + 1/2 cup for dusting
1 1/2 tbsp corn oil
1 tbsp + 1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup cornmeal (or ground corn chips)
olive oil for greasing the pan
Ingredients (Pizza)
3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup tomato puree
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cups mushrooms
2 cups ham, sliced
salt
olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
Method
- Mix yeast and 1 tsp sugar on warm water, set aside until very bubbly.
- Now combine the rest of the ingredients for the crust but using only 1 1/2 cup of flour with the yeast mixture. Mix with a spatula until it forms a batter.
- Now slowly add the remaining flour and start kneading in a floured surface (don’t knead the dough too much that the texture is tough)
- Now place it in a big greased bowl and cover it with a cling wrap, make sure it will handle twice the size of the dough. Place in a warm location (I usually place it in an oven preheated to 60C then turned off) for around 45 minutes or until it doubled the size.
- Once doubled, remove from container, deflate and continue to knead, flatten using a rolling-pin make sure the thickness is no greater than 5mm, place it in a well-greased pan, brush with oil and dust with corn meal.
- Mix the tomato puree with minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Set aside
- Place your toppings brushing the dough with olive oil initially, then with the tomato puree mix, onion, mushroom, ham and mozzarella cheese. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Place in a preheated over at 230C for 20 to 25 minutes.
Note: This makes 3 medium or 2 large pizzas
This pizza looks amazing. Yum Yum Yummy! know I have never tried pizza dough (or bread) because everytime I hear “yeast” I get scared. I know it’s silly. BUT, the way this pizza looks especially since I have some mushrooms that I’m clawing for a reason to use, I may just have to conquer my fear of yeast and dough.
I am like you Raymund as I don’t like wastage and yes, incredible idea of using whatever ham available for this lovely looking pizza.
That looks really delicious. I didn’t know the Swiss made pizza, I always learn something new from you!
Another clever idea for the leftover ham! And this one I know the kids would be excited about – well, minus the mushrooms. Maybe I’ll put pineapples on their half. 😉
Oh this looks fantastic.
Our favorite pizza in Sweden thus far is the shrimp Neapolitan-style pizza made by the great gentlemen who run a wood-fired-oven pizzeria/restaurant at the central train station in Stockholm. But this one looks superb too!
This Swedish Capricciosa looks AMAZING. Yes, I can totally see myself enjoying this 🙂
I had no idea that the Swedish had their own pizza until my husband spent a business trip there and ate pizza almost daily. I thought maybe it was just the area he was in, but apparently not! Love how you include information about what you make!
that sounds like a yummy pizza/ crust recipe! I love Neapolitan style too, but haven’t had a swedish pie.
I really wish I could eat this whole pizza right now.
nope, didn’t know that sweden has their own pizza.. interesting that you make your own pizza dough too..
That’s so interesting. I had no clue Sweden was such a pizza haven. Love how simple but delicious I can imagine this turning out.
This is so good I considered packing in my job and starting a takeaway! 🙂 recommended to be served with http://blogs.transparent.com/swedish/the-mysterious-swedish-pizza-sallad/ thanks for this!