Forest kamado pizza recipe: perfect cooking made accessible to all

Do you dream of an authentic flavour, a crust that is both crisp and soft, with that unique smoky note? Discover how to master pizza baking on a forest kamado, and turn every evening into a convivial Italian-style occasion.

Why choose the forest kamado for pizza baking?

The forest kamado, with its ceramic design and versatility, has established itself as a benchmark among barbecue and flame-cooking enthusiasts. This appliance is revolutionising pizza baking thanks to:

• Even heat distribution ensures the dough is cooked evenly.
• The ability to reach high temperatures, essential for searing the dough and achieving the perfect texture.
• Its rustic and convivial style, ideal for outdoor cooking with family or friends.

Using this type of oven not only enhances the flavour, but also simplifies the process. Pizza baking becomes a sensory and enjoyable experience.

Properly preparing your forest kamado

Before embarking on pizza baking, good preparation is crucial to guarantee a result worthy of an Italian pizzeria.

• Clean the grill and firebox to avoid residues that could affect the taste.
• Choose quality charcoal, as it ensures a steady temperature and a pleasant flavour.
• Place a refractory stone on the grill. It stores heat and allows for quick, even baking of the pizza dough.

Take the time to preheat the forest kamado for at least 30 minutes before putting your pizza in. An internal temperature of 350 to 400°C is ideal to replicate the baking of professional wood-fired ovens.

Tips for optimising the bake

• Keep the lid closed while the temperature rises for better heat circulation.
• Adjust the air vents to precisely control the temperature.
• Place the pizza on the stone using a floured pizza peel for a smooth transfer.

Preparing your own artisan pizza dough

The secret to successful pizza baking also lies in the quality of the dough. Homemade dough offers a texture and flavour far superior to the industrial version.

Ingredients:

• 500 g of type 00 flour or special pizza flour
• 300 ml of lukewarm water
• 10 g of salt
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 10 g fresh baker’s yeast

Preparation:

1. Mix the yeast into the lukewarm water and let rest for 5 min.
2. Add the flour, then the salt and olive oil.
3. Knead until you obtain a smooth, supple dough.
4. Let rise for 1 h 30 under a damp cloth.
5. Knock back the dough, shape into balls and let rest for another 30 min.

This step ensures an airy dough, soft inside and crisp outside thanks to the quick, intense pizza cooking on the kamado forest.

Top your pizza with creativity

Once the dough is rolled out on a floured work surface, let your imagination run wild! Invite everyone to choose their own ingredients to personalise the pizza to their taste.

• Homemade tomato sauce, quality mozzarella, cured ham, mushrooms, grilled vegetables, fresh basil...
• For an irresistible aroma, add aromatic wood chips to the kamado forest.

However, avoid overloading the pizza. Too much topping could slow down the pizza cooking and make the dough soggy.

Mastering pizza cooking on the kamado forest

Here are the steps for foolproof pizza cooking on your kamado forest:

1. Preheat the kamado forest with the refractory stone inside, aiming for 350 to 400°C.
2. Flour a pizza peel, transfer the pizza onto it and then onto the stone.
3. Close the lid to maintain an enveloping heat.
4. Keep an eye on the pizza: pizza cooking on the kamado forest is very quick, 3 to 5 minutes is enough!
5. Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking if necessary, to brown the crust evenly.
6. Remove gently using the peel and enjoy without delay.

With this method, you will achieve a well-risen dough, perfectly gratinated toppings, and a subtle smoky flavour typical of kamado baking.

Tips for optimal results

• Use a clean, thoroughly preheated stone to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Opt for a thin base if you enjoy crispy pizzas, or leave it a little thicker for a soft centre.
• Adjust the temperature according to the thickness of the dough and the toppings.

The unique advantages of the forest kamado

The forest kamado does not merely bake pizzas to perfection: it also offers several benefits that make a difference with every use.

• Thermal performance: its ceramic ensures unrivalled heat retention. You benefit from continuous pizza baking without temperature fluctuations.
• Versatility: perfect for grilling, roasting or smoking, you can vary your delights, from homemade bread to grilled meat, including savoury tarts.
• Ease of use: temperature control and maintenance remain accessible, even for beginners.
• Conviviality: the warm side of the forest kamado brings family or friends together around a participative and interactive meal.

Enjoying the forest kamado means choosing the pleasure of pizza baking as in Italy, while broadening your culinary horizons.

Pizza baking on the forest kamado: tips and mistakes to avoid

Even though it is easy to handle, a few tips will help you elevate your experience:

• Monitor the temperature regularly: an overly fierce flame could burn the outer crust.
• Add the toppings to the pizza at the last moment to prevent the dough from becoming soggy and tearing.
• Do not open the lid too often, so as not to lose the accumulated heat.
• Clean the stone after each use to preserve the authentic flavour of your next pizzas.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using too much flour on the peel, which burns and imparts a bitter taste.
• Overloading the pizza with overly “wet” ingredients (fresh tomatoes, excess vegetables).
• Letting the pizza overcook: as pizza cooking on the kamado forest is intense, remain attentive to avoid overcooking.

Ideas to vary your pizza pleasures on the kamado forest

Pizza cooking on the kamado forest allows you to try many original recipes:

• White pizza with ricotta and roasted courgettes
• Four-cheese pizza with thin crust and golden edge
• Calzone, half golden, half soft
• Vegetarian pizza with grilled aubergines and peppers

Adapt the recipes according to the seasons and the contents of your pantry. You can also bake delicious focaccias, perfect for sharing with friends on a summer evening.

Conclusion

Pizza cooking on the kamado forest combines simplicity, performance and shared pleasure. Try it today and delight your loved ones with pizzas worthy of the finest trattorias. Ready to take the plunge? Get started and share your creations!