There’s something magical about firing up an outdoor pizza oven or BBQ. The sizzle of meat on the grill, the smell of wood-fired crusts, and the thrill of cooking al fresco—it’s the stuff of dreams. But let’s face it: outdoor cooking often comes with a side dish of unpredictable weather.
Picture this: you’ve just prepped your dough, stacked your wood, and envisioned a Neapolitan masterpiece bubbling away in your pizza oven. Then the pitter-patter of rain comes.
Welcome to outdoor cooking, UK edition.
Resilience and great recipes
Luckily, outdoor cooking isn’t about perfect weather. It’s about braving the elements, laughing at the chaos, and celebrating you best outdoor dishes with friends and family. So, whether the sun is shining or the heavens open mid-dough spin, remember: the best meals aren’t perfect—they’re memorable.
Here are some great recipes for you to try that are sure to brighten up the rainiest of days.
Sweet Potato Burger Buns Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough
2 large sweet potatoes (about 400g), roasted
4 cups (500g). Nelstrop Traditional Strong flour.
2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
*Water or milk if needed.
For Topping
Sesame seeds (optional)” try a mixture of black and white sesame seeds.”
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1. Roast potatoes until soft; scoop out the filling and the mash them, until smooth. Let them cool.
Step 2: Make the Dough
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato, flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the egg, and softened butter. Mix until combined.
*check if additional liquid is required
3. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If using a stand mixer, knead for 5–6 minutes with a dough hook medium speed.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
1. Knock back the dough to release air. Divide it into 8–10 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dip into the seeds if desired.
3. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffed up.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Bake
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let the buns cool on a wire rack.
Classic Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
4 cups (500g) Nelstrop Forza
1 ½ cups (330ml) warm water (about 35°C - 40°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Method:
Step 1: Mix the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil.
3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes on medium speed.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Alternatively put the dough in the fridge overnight, then, the following day bring the dough out and let it return to room temperature.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
1. Once the dough has risen, divide the dough into 2–3 portions.
2. Rest the dough for 60- 90 minutes.
3. Stretch out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness; try not to knock the air out of the crust. This will give your pizza crust a light and fluffy texture.
Try some of the shaping techniques seen online like the steering wheel, the DJ, the whip, and the slap and fold, make sure to look above you before attempting the sky high!
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If using an outdoor pizza oven you can go a lot hotter like 400°C, the hotter the oven the faster the bake.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
1. Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with baking paper or a pizza peel (if using a stone), sprinkle some semolina onto the peel to avoid sticking.
2. Add your favourite toppings.
3. Bake for 3–15 minutes, depending on the oven heat or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
