Southwestern Garden Pizza

Southwestern Garden Pizza Recipe - Delicious Blend of Vegetables and Cheese

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Southwestern Garden Pizza is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the freshness of garden vegetables. This pizza is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

History

The Southwestern Garden Pizza recipe is inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest, which are known for their bold and spicy ingredients. This pizza combines traditional pizza toppings with Southwestern ingredients like salsa, beans, and cornmeal to create a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

2 to 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour
1 package of active dry yeast
0.25 tsp of salt
1 cup of warm water (120°F (49°C) to 130°F)
2 tbsp of cooking oil
0.75 cup of cornmeal
1 lb (454 g) of boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 tbsp of cooking oil
1 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, cut into 2-inch long julienne strips (about 1.5 cups)
2 green onions, bias sliced into 1-inch pieces (0.5 cup)
1 x 9 oz (255 g) can of bean dip
0.75 cup of picante sauce or salsa
2 cups of shredded monterey jack cheese (8 oz (227 g))
2 green onions, thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine 1.25 cups of flour, yeast, and salt.
Add water and 2 tbsp of oil.
Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
Using a spoon, stir in cornmeal and as much of the remaining flour as you can.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).
Divide the dough in half. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Grease two 11- to 13-inch pizza pans or baking sheets.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough into a circle 1 inch larger than the pizza pan.
Transfer the dough to the pans.
Build up the edges slightly. Flute the edges, if desired. Prick generously with a fork. Do not let it rise.
Bake in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-size strips and set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook and stir the zucchini or yellow summer squash in the hot oil for 30 seconds.
Add the 1-inch bias-sliced green onion pieces; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until all the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
Add half of the chicken to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Spread bean dip over the hot crusts.
Spread picante sauce or salsa over the bean dip.
Spoon the chicken and vegetables over the picante sauce.
Sprinkle with Monterey jack cheese.
Bake for about 12 minutes more or until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly.
Sprinkle with sliced green onion.

Variations

You can customize the toppings on this pizza to suit your taste preferences. Try adding black beans, avocado, or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
If you prefer a spicier pizza, add jalapenos or hot sauce to the toppings.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your oven before baking the pizza to ensure that the crust cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

- If you prefer a spicier pizza, you can add jalapenos or hot sauce to the toppings.

- Be sure to let the dough rest before rolling it out to allow the gluten to relax and make it easier to work with.

- To save time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Southwestern Garden Pizza with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

To make the pizza crust, combine flour, yeast, salt, water, and oil in a bowl. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then divide it in half and roll out into circles.

- Pre-bake the crusts in the oven before adding the toppings to ensure a crispy crust.

- Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the pizza for added flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips as a substitute.

- Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella.

- You can use any type of summer squash or zucchini in place of the yellow summer squash.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Southwestern Garden Pizza with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This pizza pairs well with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southwestern Garden Pizza contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Garden Pizza contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Garden Pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Garden Pizza contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This pizza is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy.

Summary

Southwestern Garden Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious option for a meal.

Summary

Southwestern Garden Pizza is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with fresh garden vegetables. This pizza is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a unique and flavorful meal. Enjoy this pizza with friends and family for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Southwestern Garden Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck gathering at a friend's house. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of fresh vegetables and herbs mingling together in perfect harmony.

My friend, Maria, was busy chopping up bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes while humming a tune. I watched in awe as she effortlessly spread a homemade tomato sauce onto a thin crust and sprinkled it with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Then, she artfully arranged the colorful vegetables on top, finishing it off with a sprinkle of cilantro and a dash of cumin.

I was transfixed by the sight of the vibrant colors and the tantalizing smells wafting from the oven as the pizza baked to golden perfection. When Maria finally pulled it out and sliced it into wedges, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the roasted vegetables, the gooey cheese, and the hint of smokiness from the cumin. It was a revelation.

I immediately asked Maria for the recipe, and she smiled and handed me a worn piece of paper with the instructions scrawled in her elegant handwriting. She told me that she had learned how to make the Southwestern Garden Pizza from her grandmother, who had picked up the recipe during a trip to New Mexico many years ago.

I couldn't wait to try making it myself, so I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped and sliced, stirred and sprinkled, I felt a sense of connection to Maria's grandmother and all the generations of women who had passed down this recipe. It was like I was part of a culinary lineage, carrying on a tradition that had been handed down with love and care.

When the pizza emerged from the oven, I knew I had succeeded. The crust was crisp and golden, the cheese bubbly and melted, and the vegetables perfectly roasted. I sliced it into wedges and served it to my family, who devoured it with gusto. They couldn't believe how delicious it was, and I beamed with pride as they showered me with compliments.

From that moment on, the Southwestern Garden Pizza became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners. Each time I pulled it out of the oven and caught a whiff of the fragrant spices and herbs, I was transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe.

Over the years, I have tweaked and perfected the recipe, adding my own touches and variations. Sometimes I swap out the bell peppers for poblano peppers, or add a sprinkle of chili powder for extra heat. But no matter how I choose to make it, the Southwestern Garden Pizza always brings a smile to my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to this wonderful recipe, and to her grandmother for passing it down through the generations. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together in love and joy, and to create lasting memories that we will cherish for years to come. And for that, I am truly grateful.