Mediterranean Pizza
Craft a delicious and authentic Mediterranean pizza topped with fresh ingredients, offering a customizable dish that caters to various tastes.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a mix with whole wheat)
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Olive oil for rising
Sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil or arugula for garnish
- Optional chili flakes For a spicy kick.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Drizzle with olive oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Sauce
- Mix crushed tomatoes with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning per taste and let it sit for flavors to meld.
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust.
Shape Your Dough
- Once risen, place the dough on a floured surface. Roll it out or stretch it by hand until it reaches your desired thickness (usually about 12 inches for a standard pizza).
Assemble Your Pizza
- Spread a generous layer of sauce over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges.
- Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella, feta cheese, olives, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Bake
- Carefully slide your pizza onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cheese bubbles.
Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven. Top with fresh basil or arugula and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.
Notes
Experiment with toppings like artichokes, spinach, or grilled zucchini. Fresh herbs enhance flavor, and keeping it simple with toppings ensures a crispy crust.