| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 380 | 17g | 6g | 44g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 20g | 0.8g |
Born and raised in the heart of New York City, I’ve always been inspired by the melting pot of flavors that surround me daily. My journey into food was majorly influenced by this city that never sleeps, its brilliant diversity, and the array of cuisines it offers. This particular recipe – The Loroco and Mushroom Pizza – is a clear reflection of that influence. It blends traditional pizza elements with the distinctive Loroco flower, a delicacy from Central and South America. It’s a replication of a slice of NYC, blending cultures seamlessly into a delightful dish.
A Pizza with a Twist
If you are familiar with the usual combinations of margherita or pepperoni, this Loroco and Mushroom Pizza recipe will offer a delightful twist. Twisting the norm is something I’ve learned to appreciate and even crave – thanks to my life in theatre and, more substantially, being a New Yorker. Making delicious food isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about creating, improvising, and daring to be different.
Here’s To Health
Furthermore, there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing that while this pizza soothes your taste buds, it also has some substantial health benefits. Loroco, for instance, is known to be highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Besides this, the ingredients also include a good helping of mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, all of which are known for their health benefits [1] [2]. This pizza is a thoughtful blend of taste and health, served on a plate.
Pairing and Complementing Flavors
The Loroco and Mushroom Pizza is a stand-alone star, but if you’re in the mood for a full course, try pairing it with a classic bruschetta or an arugula salad to complement its robust flavors. Should you choose to have some wine, a good Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc are both excellent pairings [3].
In essence, this recipe is more than just dinner – it’s a culinary journey, uniting diverse flavors on a single pizza pan. Like a well-rehearsed play, it offers something for everyone. With each bite, you get to experience a unique blend of vibrant flavors and textures, representing the epitome of NYC – the city I am lucky to call home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pizza dough, about 1 lb
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup loroco flowers, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Step Two
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Aim to roll it out to around 12 inches in diameter, but you can adjust this based on your preferred thickness level. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer onto the stone later on.
Step Three
Evenly spread the pizza sauce over your rolled out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese onto the sauce, creating an even layer of cheese.
Step Four
In a small bowl, combine the rinsed and drained loroco flowers, sliced white mushrooms, diced red and green bell peppers, and thinly sliced onions. Add in the olive oil, salt, and black pepper, giving everything a good stir to combine.
Step Five
Eevenly distribute this vegetable mixture over the layer of cheese on your pizza. Once distributed, top the vegetables with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step Six
Carefully transfer your pizza into the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone, simply slide the parchment paper and pizza onto the hot stone. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the crust is cooked to your preference.
Step Seven
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top. Slice and serve your Loroco and Mushroom Pizza while still warm. Enjoy!
