Mediterranean Pizza I

Italian Mediterranean Pizza Recipe with Avocado and Goat Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mediterranean Pizza I is a delicious and flavorful pizza recipe that combines the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region. This pizza is topped with a homemade tomato pesto, caramelized onions, creamy avocado slices, and tangy goat cheese. It is a perfect dish for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends and family.

History

The Mediterranean region is known for its healthy and delicious cuisine, which is characterized by fresh ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. Pizza, a popular dish in Italy, has been adapted and transformed in various ways around the world. The Mediterranean Pizza I recipe takes inspiration from the flavors of the Mediterranean region and combines them in a unique and tasty way.

Ingredients

1 (7 oz) jar of dried tomatoes in oil
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves
0.25 cup of fresh basil leaves
0.25 cup of toasted pine nuts
0.25 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp of salt
1 (12 inches) italian bread shell
3 large california avocados, peeled and sliced
1 (3 oz) log of goat cheese

How to prepare

Drain the tomatoes, reserving the oil.
In a medium skillet, sauté the onion in 1 tbsp of the reserved oil over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the onion to cool.
In a food processor, combine the tomatoes, remaining reserved oil, garlic, and the next 4 ingredients. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides.
Spread the tomato pesto over the bread shell and top evenly with the onion, avocado, and goat cheese.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute the goat cheese with feta cheese for a tangier taste.
Top the pizza with fresh arugula or basil leaves before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the tomatoes well before using them in the tomato pesto to avoid a watery consistency.

- Caramelizing the onions adds a sweet and savory flavor to the pizza. Be patient and cook them slowly over low heat to achieve the perfect caramelization.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pizza enhances their nutty flavor and adds a crunchy texture.

- Use a high-quality Italian bread shell for the pizza crust to ensure a crispy and delicious base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mediterranean Pizza I with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) before baking the pizza to ensure a crispy crust.

- Use a food processor to make the tomato pesto for a smooth and creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought tomato pesto instead of making it from scratch for a quicker and easier preparation.

- Substitute the pine nuts with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

The tomato pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Caramelize the onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Mediterranean Pizza I with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for an elegant presentation. - Cut the pizza into wedges and serve on a wooden board for a rustic and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Mediterranean Pizza I with a glass of chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing and complementary combination.

- Serve the pizza with a side of marinated olives or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 32g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 4g

Fats

Total Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 15%

Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Tree Nuts

Summary

This Mediterranean Pizza I recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Mediterranean Pizza I is a delicious and nutritious pizza recipe that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean region in a unique and flavorful way. With a homemade tomato pesto, caramelized onions, creamy avocado slices, and tangy goat cheese, this pizza is a perfect dish for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends and family. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired pizza for a taste of the sunny Mediterranean coast in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling streets of a little coastal town in Greece. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and spices, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation of trying some of the local cuisine.

As I wandered through the colorful market stalls, I stumbled upon a small, unassuming bakery tucked away in a corner. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted towards me, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I couldn't resist the temptation and decided to step inside.

The bakery was a cozy little place, with a stone oven in the corner and shelves lined with jars of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and other Mediterranean delights. As I perused the menu, my eyes landed on a dish called "Mediterranean Pizza I". Intrigued, I asked the friendly baker behind the counter about it.

He smiled warmly and began to tell me about the origins of the dish. He explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in his family, originating from a small village in Italy. The pizza was a marriage of flavors from the Mediterranean region, combining the tanginess of feta cheese, the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshness of basil and oregano.

I was immediately captivated by the story and begged the baker to share the recipe with me. He chuckled and agreed, writing down the ingredients and steps on a piece of parchment paper. I thanked him profusely and promised to try it out as soon as I returned home.

When I finally had a chance to make the Mediterranean Pizza I, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. The dough was made from scratch, a labor of love that required patience and precision. As I kneaded the dough, I thought back to my time in Greece and the warm memories of that little bakery.

Once the dough had risen, I rolled it out into a perfect circle and began to assemble the toppings. I spread a generous layer of tangy tomato sauce over the base, followed by crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of fresh basil and oregano added the final touch, infusing the pizza with the flavors of the Mediterranean.

As I slid the pizza into the oven, the tantalizing scent of herbs and cheese filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched through the oven window as the crust turned golden brown and the cheese bubbled and melted deliciously.

When the pizza was finally done, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was a burst of flavors in my mouth – the tangy feta cheese, the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, the earthy olives, and the fragrant herbs. It was like taking a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, each bite a reminder of my time in Greece and the warm hospitality of the people I had met.

I shared the Mediterranean Pizza I with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious it was. They marveled at the unique combination of flavors and asked for the recipe, eager to try it out for themselves. I happily shared the recipe, passing on the tradition that I had learned from that little bakery in Greece.

To this day, the Mediterranean Pizza I remains one of my favorite recipes to make. It brings back memories of sunny days by the sea, of bustling markets and friendly faces, and of the shared joy of good food with loved ones. It is a recipe that has become a part of my own culinary tradition, a reminder of the beauty and richness of the Mediterranean region. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered it – a moment that I will cherish forever.