| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 12 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 18g | 7g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 17g | 0.9g |
I’ve always been a sucker for a delicious, homemade pizza and the Broccoli Leaf and Cheese Pizza is no exception. It beautifully fuses the culinary traditions I’ve cherished growing up in sunny California, touched with a wink to my Gujarati heritage. After all, cooking is not just about feeding the stomach—it’s more about feeding the soul, conjuring the essence of diverse flavors, and fostering a spirit of exploration in our hearts.
Celebrating A Fusion of Flavors
The Broccoli Leaf and Cheese Pizza embraces the freshness and vibrancy typically associated with West Coast cuisine. Simultaneously, it harnesses the knack for vegetable-centric dish that is a hallmark of Gujarati cuisine. This pizza isn’t just a food, it’s a story of my journey – a journey that navigates across the two unique culinary worlds I hold dear. And the beauty is, this union doesn’t just stop at me, it extends to the dinner table, where my husband Faisal and our two sons eagerly await what fusion I’m serving next.
The Health Perks
Aside from the delight this recipe brings to your taste buds, it also carries significant health benefits that align perfectly with a balanced diet. Fresh broccoli leaves are low in calories yet rich in many essential vitamins and minerals. They are a particularly great source of Vitamin K , providing more than 100% of the Daily Value in a 1-cup serving. They also pack high amounts of calcium, which is necessary for bone health and the functioning of your heart, muscles, and nerves.
Pairing Possibilities
Given its vibrant profile, this pizza pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad or can easily hold its own as the star attraction. However, if you’re looking for something with a nod to the East, consider pairing it with a Rajma Masala or Chana Masala , ushering a delightful Indian-American fusion feast.
Thinking of dessert? A sweet note of Mango Sorbet , perhaps, will maintain the freshness of the meal, or a slice of creamy Cheesecake can lend a contrasting richness.
The Broccoli Leaf and Cheese Pizza, with its earthy broccoli, the harmonious blend of mozzarella and feta cheese, all on a pizza dough kissed by the slightly pungent red onion and garlic, is an ode to my vibrant Californian-Gujarati kitchen. This pizza is not just a dish, it’s a dialogue – a dialogue between two cultures, scattering a note of love from my kitchen to yours. So, here’s hoping you enjoy it as much as I enjoy preparing it for my family.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 bunch of broccoli leaves, rinsed and chopped finely
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven as it preheats.
Step Two
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Be sure to keep it in a shape that it will fit your pizza stone or baking sheet.
Step Three
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
Step Four
Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta over the pizza sauce.
Step Five
Top the cheese with the finely chopped broccoli leaves and thinly sliced red onion.
Step Six
In a small dish, mix together the minced garlic and olive oil. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the pizza, then season the whole pizza with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Transfer the pizza to your preheated oven. If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the stone. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is crisp and golden brown.
Step Eight
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices and serving. Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Leaf and Cheese Pizza!
