Mediterranean Pizza

Mediterranean Pizza Recipe with Eggplant, Feta, and Black Olives

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mediterranean Pizza is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pizza, featuring fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and tangy feta cheese. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in a fun and easy-to-make dish.

History

Mediterranean Pizza is inspired by the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean region, known for its fresh and vibrant ingredients. This recipe combines classic Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, eggplant, olives, and feta cheese with a thin-crust pizza dough to create a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup peeled and chopped eggplant
1 tsp crushed dried thyme
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
1 x 16 oz (454 g) thin-crust pizza dough (i.e. Boboli)
2 medium red or yellow tomatoes, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 small yellow summer squash, sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced
0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp sliced, pitted, ripe black olives
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

In a medium skillet, cook the onion and garlic in 2 tsp of olive oil over medium-high heat until tender (about 3 minutes).
Add the tomatoes, eggplant, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium-high heat for 15 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
Place the pizza dough on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Spread the eggplant mixture over the pizza dough.
Arrange the red or yellow tomatoes, squash, and zucchini over the mixture.
Brush the vegetables with the remaining olive oil.
Sprinkle with feta cheese and olives.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Cut into wedges and serve.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza crust for a healthier option.
Top with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the eggplant mixture until the liquid has evaporated to prevent a soggy pizza crust.

- Brushing the vegetables with olive oil before baking helps them to caramelize and develop a rich flavor.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mediterranean Pizza with a side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cherry tomatoes instead of sliced tomatoes.

- Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese.

- Use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making the eggplant mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the eggplant mixture and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Mediterranean Pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Mediterranean Pizza with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pizza dough).

Summary

This Mediterranean Pizza is a balanced meal, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mediterranean Pizza is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. With fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a crispy crust, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mediterranean Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always loved trying out new recipes with her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I caught a whiff of the most delicious aroma. Maria was busy rolling out pizza dough and spreading a vibrant red tomato sauce over it. She then began to layer on toppings that I had never seen on a pizza before - slices of ripe tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil leaves.

I watched in awe as she expertly slid the pizza into the hot oven, and within minutes, the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing scent of baking bread and melting cheese. When she finally pulled the pizza out of the oven, it was a sight to behold - golden brown crust, bubbling cheese, and a colorful array of toppings that seemed to beckon me closer.

As Maria sliced the pizza into generous wedges, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the tomatoes, the briny tang of the olives, the creamy richness of the feta cheese, and the fresh, herbaceous notes of the basil. It was unlike any pizza I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently walked me through each step, from making the dough to choosing the perfect combination of toppings. She explained that Mediterranean Pizza was a popular dish in her hometown in Italy, where fresh, local ingredients were always plentiful.

I took notes as Maria spoke, jotting down measurements and cooking times, eager to recreate the magic of that first bite. Over the next few weeks, I practiced making Mediterranean Pizza in my own kitchen, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste.

I experimented with different cheeses - swapping out feta for goat cheese or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth of flavor. I played around with the toppings, adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and even grilled eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.

Each time I made Mediterranean Pizza, it felt like a labor of love. I kneaded the dough with care, letting it rise until it was light and airy. I spread the tomato sauce with precision, making sure to leave just the right amount of space for the toppings to shine.

And when the pizza emerged from the oven, hot and bubbling, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had mastered Maria's recipe, making it my own with each delicious variation.

Over the years, I have shared my love for Mediterranean Pizza with friends and family, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to our dinner table. It has become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress and satisfy.

And as I look back on that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the friendship and the recipe that sparked my culinary journey. Making Mediterranean Pizza will always remind me of the joy of cooking and the power of sharing a good meal with the ones we love.