Lavender Pizza

Easy-to-Make Lavender Pizza Recipe from France | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lavender Pizza is a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional pizza recipe. The combination of soft goat cheese, sautéed shallots, and fragrant lavender creates a delicious and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Lavender Pizza is a modern take on the classic pizza recipe, incorporating the use of lavender as a key ingredient. Lavender has been used in cooking for centuries, known for its floral and slightly sweet flavor. This recipe combines the earthy taste of goat cheese with the delicate aroma of lavender, creating a truly unique and delicious pizza experience.

Ingredients

1 pre-baked or par-baked pizza shell
from your local grocer, or your own favorite fresh pizza dough.
Medium shell serves 1 or 2, large shell serves 3 or 4.
0.25 lb soft goat cheese, crumbled
4 tbsp virgin olive oil
4 tbsp chopped shallots
0.5 tsp herbs de provence with lavender

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Sauté the shallots in 1 tbsp of virgin olive oil until they become translucent.
Spread the crumbled goat cheese over the pizza shell, then spread the sautéed shallots and herbs over the cheese.
Pour the remaining 3 tbsp of virgin olive oil over the ingredients on the shell.
Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles.
Serve the pizza.

Variations

Add sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of freshness.
Swap out the goat cheese for feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished pizza for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pre-bake or par-bake your pizza shell before adding the toppings to ensure a crispy crust.

- Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the pizza shell to ensure each bite is filled with cheesy goodness.

- Sauté the shallots until they are translucent to bring out their sweet and savory flavor.

- Use fresh lavender for the best flavor, and be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lavender Pizza with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the cheese and olive oil.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to 450°F for optimal baking temperature.

- Sauté the shallots until they are translucent to bring out their flavor.

- Bake the pizza for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use feta or mozzarella cheese instead of goat cheese.

- Substitute dried lavender for fresh if fresh is not available.

- Use red onion in place of shallots for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pizza shell and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lavender Pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation, garnished with fresh lavender sprigs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lavender Pizza with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the floral notes of the lavender.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lavender Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 100mg per serving

Iron: 2mg per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (goat cheese)

Summary

Lavender Pizza is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in fat and protein, making it a satisfying meal option. It is also a good source of calcium and iron.

Summary

Lavender Pizza is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of goat cheese with the delicate aroma of lavender. With a crispy crust and bubbly cheese, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Lavender Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking through a bustling farmer's market in Provence, France. The scent of lavender filled the air, and I found myself drawn to a small stand selling all things lavender – from sachets to essential oils to culinary lavender.

As I chatted with the vendor, she mentioned that lavender was a versatile herb that could be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Intrigued, I asked her if she had any recipes that incorporated lavender. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a handwritten recipe for Lavender Pizza.

I was immediately captivated by the idea of combining the floral notes of lavender with the savory elements of pizza. I knew I had to try this recipe out for myself. So, armed with a bundle of fresh lavender from the market, I headed back to my grandmother's cozy kitchen to experiment.

As I gathered the ingredients – pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and of course, fresh lavender – I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was going to be a culinary adventure unlike any I had embarked on before.

I started by infusing the tomato sauce with dried lavender, allowing the flavors to meld together as it simmered on the stove. The scent that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew I was onto something special.

Next, I rolled out the pizza dough, spreading the lavender-infused tomato sauce evenly across the surface. I sprinkled a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a sprinkling of fresh lavender buds.

As the pizza baked in the oven, the aroma of lavender filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. When the timer dinged, I pulled the pizza out of the oven, the cheese bubbling and the crust golden brown.

I took a bite, and my taste buds were transported to a place of pure bliss. The lavender added a subtle floral note that complemented the richness of the cheese and the tanginess of the tomato sauce perfectly. It was a flavor combination unlike any I had ever experienced before, and I knew I had discovered something truly special.

I shared the Lavender Pizza with my family, and they were equally enchanted by the unique flavors. My grandmother, in particular, was impressed by my culinary creativity and encouraged me to continue experimenting with new and innovative recipes.

From that day on, Lavender Pizza became a staple in our household, a dish that never failed to impress guests and bring a smile to our faces. I continued to refine the recipe, experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, and toppings to create new variations of this beloved dish.

I even entered my Lavender Pizza in a local cooking competition, where it garnered rave reviews and ultimately won first place. The judges were impressed by the boldness of flavors and the unexpected twist of lavender, and I was thrilled to receive recognition for my culinary creation.

As the years passed, I continued to share the recipe for Lavender Pizza with friends and family, passing down the tradition to future generations. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Provence, where the scent of lavender first captured my imagination and inspired me to create something truly unique.

And so, the story of my Lavender Pizza recipe remains a cherished memory, a testament to the power of culinary creativity and the joy of sharing delicious food with those we love. It is a reminder that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, and that a simple herb like lavender can elevate a humble dish into something extraordinary.