| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 465 | 25g | 12g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 17g | 0.46g |
If you’ve heard an orchestra play, you know how each instrument joins in seamlessly to create an enchanting melody. That’s a similar experience I have each time I whip up the Caramelized Wild Leek Pizza in the kitchen. It’s an eruption of vibrant flavors harmonizing perfectly together to create something simply delicious. The dough, the cheeses, the fruits, the wild leeks and that sweet caramelized glaze – it’s like conducting a symphony of taste in your own kitchen!
A Feast of Flavors
Staying true to my Gujarati roots and Californian upbringing means that this Caramelized Wild Leek Pizza is more than just your average vegetable-based pizza. It has that exact balance of sharp, rich goat cheese melting into sweet, tangy wild leeks, all harmonizing perfectly atop a golden pizza crust. It reminds me a little of the street side pizza vendors in San Francisco, with their variations of gourmet pizzas presenting a wonderful blend of flavors.
One bite of this delectable treat takes you on a trip, the contrasting blend of creamy cheeses juxtaposed with the caramelized leeks’ piquancy. And the choice of fruits allows for pops of freshness that only complement this melody further. But it’s more than just the flavor profile that gets me excited; it’s the memories associated with it. Picture a cozy evening, surrounded by family and friends, with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pizza filling the room. There are few things I find more satisfying.
Food For Your Health
One of the awesome things about the Caramelized Wild Leek Pizza is that it’s not just about tantalizing flavors; there are health picks all around. Wild leeks, also known as ramps, are rich in vitamin C and selenium. They are great for immune health and have antioxidant effects.
Next, there’s the goat cheese, a fabulous addition if you’re seeking a healthier alternative to regular cheese. Goat cheese has lower calories and fats but is still rich in protein and calcium. That coupled with natural fruits topping, and you’ve got a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delectable.
Culinary Pairing Partners
If you’re a wine enthusiast like my husband, Faisal, then you’ll know that a good pairing amplifies taste profiles. For this pizza, we usually enjoy a fruity and fresh Italian Pinot Grigio. It pairs wonderfully with the earthy flavors of the wild leek and balances the tang of the 3-cheese blend.
As a side, consider my zesty arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The mild peppery kick of the arugula contrasts the sweet undertones of the pizza beautifully. So, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, with this Caramelized Wild Leek Pizza on the menu, “Bon Appétit” is a guarantee!
What You’ll Need
- 1 Pizza Dough (Large size)
- 2 cup of complementary fruits
- 4 tablespoons of Olive oil
- 10 Wild Leeks
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 3/4 cup of Goat Cheese
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup of Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 cup of Sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Salt
- 1/2 tablespoon of Black Pepper
Method
Step One
Firstly, preheat your oven to its highest setting. In the meantime, roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until you reach your desired shape and thickness. You can also use a round pizza stone if you have one.
Step Two
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the wild leeks and saute until they become soft and begin to caramelize. This should take about 10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step Three
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Stir and simmer over medium heat until the vinegar is reduced by half and becomes thick and syrupy. It should take around 10 minutes. Keep a careful eye on it to avoid burning the sugar.
Step Four
Spread 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the rolled pizza dough. Arrange the caramelized wild leaks evenly on the dough, followed by the mozzarella, goat cheese, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the remaining salt and black pepper on top.
Step Five
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges are crisp and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Step Six
Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the pizza and top with your selection of complementary fruits. Slice the pizza and serve. Enjoy your delicious Caramelized Wild Leek Pizza!
