Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. Mediterranean Pizza is no exception, offering a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese on a crisp, homemade crust. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this Mediterranean Pizza will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Let’s dive into this delicious and nutritious recipe!

Mediterranean Pizza Ingredients

To create this flavorful Mediterranean Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the dough:

• • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the toppings:

• • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mediterranean Pizza Directions

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   • Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the toppings:
   • While the dough rises, prepare the toppings. Slice the red onion, chop the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and set aside the other ingredients.
3. Assemble the pizza:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
   • Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Add the toppings:
   • Arrange the spinach, red onion, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese evenly over the mozzarella.
   • Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil over the top.
   • Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake the pizza:
   • Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Finish and serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Pizza!

How to Prepare

Dough Preparation

Begin by activating the yeast. Mix it with sugar and warm water, allowing it to become frothy. This usually takes about 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the mixture until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour.

Topping Preparation

While the dough is rising, prepare your toppings. Slice the red onion thinly, chop the fresh spinach, and dice the sun-dried tomatoes. Set these aside along with the olives, feta, and mozzarella. This ensures all ingredients are ready for quick assembly once the dough is prepared.

Assembling the Pizza

Once the dough has doubled in size, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the prepared toppings. Finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil, and drizzle with olive oil.

Baking

Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The pizza is ready when the crust turns golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serving

Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy the Mediterranean Pizza hot for the best flavor experience.

Preparation Time

• Dough Preparation: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rising time)
• Topping Preparation: 15 minutes
• Assembling the Pizza: 10 minutes
• Baking: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Each serving of Mediterranean Pizza (assuming 8 servings) provides:

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 12g

Storage Conditions

To store leftover Mediterranean Pizza, allow it to cool completely. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10 minutes for refrigerated pizza and 20 minutes for frozen pizza.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought crust to save time. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking if required.

2. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like the tomato sauce, are also gluten-free.

3. What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to add other Mediterranean-inspired toppings such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or grilled zucchini.

4. How can I make the crust crispier?

For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or use a perforated pizza pan to allow more heat circulation.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, punch it down, and then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Conclusion

The nutritional benefits of this pizza are significant. With fresh spinach, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, you’re getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals. The feta cheese adds a nice tang and is lower in fat compared to many other cheeses, making it a healthier choice. The olives and olive oil contribute heart-healthy fats, while the overall dish is relatively low in calories and high in flavor.

Storing leftovers is straightforward, and the pizza reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Whether you refrigerate or freeze the slices, they can easily be warmed up for a quick and satisfying meal.

This Mediterranean Pizza is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s great for a family dinner, offering a healthy and delicious option that even picky eaters will enjoy. It’s also an excellent choice for entertaining guests, providing a dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare. The vibrant colors and flavors of the toppings make it visually appealing, while the taste ensures it’s always a hit.

Making pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of the Mediterranean into your home, no matter where you are.

So next time you’re craving pizza, skip the takeout and try this Mediterranean Pizza recipe. You’ll be delighted with the results and may find that it’s a new favorite in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!