Pizza Giardinera Recipe

Pizza Giardiniera Recipe

Introduction

Pizza Giardiniera is a delightful and vibrant Italian dish that brings together the fresh and tangy flavors of pickled vegetables with the comforting taste of pizza. This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of zest in their meals and want to try something different from the traditional pizza toppings. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a delicious Pizza Giardiniera right in your own kitchen.

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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   • Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Toppings
   • While the dough is rising, prepare the Giardiniera by draining and chopping the pickled vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
3. Assemble the Pizza
   • 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.
   • Evenly distribute the Giardiniera, sliced black olives, and red onions over the cheese.
4. Bake the Pizza
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Pizza Giardiniera pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a glass of crisp white wine. This vibrant and tangy pizza is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner.