
San Martino's Silly Pizza
Pizza Scema di San Martino
Rustic Umbrian pizza, compact and golden, cut in a radial pattern and traditionally served on the evening of San Martino.
The Pizza Scema di San Martino is a rustic oven-baked dish, created for the evening of November 11th and perfect for sharing with a variety of flavorful side dishes. Its structure is compact and consistent, with a dry, golden surface obtained from baking. Extra virgin olive oil contributes to the richness of the dough, while milk completes its balance; pecorino grated cheese, optional, adds a more intense note and a marked dairy imprint. The salt supports the overall flavor and the yeast for savory pies makes the preparation suitable for direct processing, without any indication of resting time. The radial incisions characterize the appearance of the disc and facilitate division into segments. In Umbria it is offered with bell peppers, egg, Italian sausage roast, cheese and cured meats.
Instructions
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8 steps · natural Italian voice
Prepare the fountain
Place the flour on the work surface Forming a well, that is, a mound with a central depression. It creates a space large enough to contain liquids and ingredients without spilling; this arrangement facilitates the gradual incorporation of flour and keeps the work surface tidy.
Combine the ingredients
Pour the extra virgin olive oil, milk and yeast into the well savory pies, salt and, if desired, pecorino grated. Also add a deciliter of water: proceed carefully at first, as absorption can vary depending on the flour.
Work the dough
Knead with your hands, gradually incorporating the flour into the main ingredients. Work until you obtain a smooth, consistent dough, free of dry areas or lumps. The dough should be firm and easily shaped, not runny or overly sticky.
Shape the ball
Gather the dough and shape it into a smooth ball. Firm the surface with short, firm movements to even out the dough and prepare it for rolling out. When there are no visible cracks and it holds its shape, move on to the next step.
Roll out the disc
Place the ball on the work surface and spread it with the rolling pin, applying even pressure. Shape the dough into a circle, maintaining a uniform thickness: the disc should be large and compact, without tears or irregular edges.
Engrave radially
Score the surface with a pointed knife, making numerous radial cuts to create several wedges. Make visible incisions, but don't completely separate the portions: the pizza should remain a single disc, ready for baking.
Bake in the oven
40 minBake at 200°C (392°F) for about 40 minutes. Check the surface at the end of cooking: it should appear dry and golden, while the structure should be firm. If the color is still pale, continue baking a little longer, making sure it doesn't darken too much.
Serve at San Martino
Serve the Pizza Scema di San Martino on the evening of November 11th, accompanied with bell peppers fried, bell peppers pickled, fried eggs, Italian sausage Roast beef, cheese, and cured meats. The firm texture of the pizza supports the side dishes and enhances its rustic character.
Chef's Tips
Score the surface before cooking without separating the slices: the radial pattern promotes even cooking and makes the Pizza Scema di San Martino recognizable.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for 10 people
- (2.2 lb) 1 kg flour
- 1 packet of yeast for savory pies (21.98 fl oz) 65 cl extra virgin olive oil
- 1 dl of milk
- (3.53 oz) 100 g cheese pecorino grated (optional) (1 tbsp) 1 tablespoon a pinch of salt
Can't find it in the US?
- pecorinoMost US supermarkets
Pecorino Romano is the easiest to find
It is saltier than most Italian pecorino: taste before adding salt.
⚠️ Automatic ingredient-based detection. Always check product labels.









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