| Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 21g | 6g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 15g | 0.85g |
Without a doubt, the Chicory and Balsamic Onion Pizza is a star among my creations. It’s your not-so-average pizza that is full of flavor, color, and aroma that can make anyone’s mouth water in an instant.
A Fusion of Flavors
The first time I made this pizza, I immediately fell in love. It perfectly mirrors my culinary perspective, one that marries West Coast health consciousness with homey, comforting American classics. The chicory lends an invigorating bitterness quintessential to such leafy greens, which harmonizes wonderfully with the irresistible sweetness of caramelized balsamic onions. Of course, the inclusion of shredded mozzarella cheese holds true to the essence of a traditional pizza, providing a creamy, gooey quality we all adore so much.
Health Benefits
Other than its scrumptious flavors, it’s important not to overlook the health benefits that the Chicory and Balsamic Onion Pizza offers. Chicory is popular for its prebiotic role, promoting healthy gut flora. It also carries a good amount of vitamins A and K, aids in digestion, and may help in reducing inflammation. Not to mention, onions are known for their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and their rich antioxidant content. Sprinkled with fresh basil and smothered in olive oil, you are getting a meal that doesn’t just taste good, but does good for your body too.
Perfect Pairings
This Chicory and Balsamic Onion Pizza is delightful as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Try complementing it with a glass of white wine, perhaps a California Chardonnay, to highlight its flavor tones. Alternatively, serve it alongside a classic Caesar salad for a holistic Italian-American dining experience. This pizza can also be paired with a rosemary lamb chop” for a heartier main course; the robust, earthy flavors of the lamb would undoubtedly be a wonderful juxtaposition to the zesty freshness of the pizza.
Background aside, though, why do I love this recipe so much? Simply put, it’s because the Chicory and Balsamic Onion Pizza is approachable. Despite it being a vitamin-packed, flavor-bomb creation, there’s nothing pretentious about it. As a mother of three, creating dishes that are wholesome, delicious, and appealing to everyone at the table is a priority. This recipe is love at first bite, and such love is always worth sharing.
What You’ll Need
- 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 chicories, halved, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and white sugar in warm water, stirring until the yeast is fully dissolved. Let it stand until the yeast forms a creamy foam on top, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and flexible, around 10 minutes.
Step Three
Lightly oil a wide bowl, then put the dough in the bowl and turn it over a few times to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.
Step Four
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Sprinkle a baking sheet with cornmeal.
Step Five
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onions until softened and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and cook until onions are caramelized, about 10 more minutes.
Step Six
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface; knead a few times and roll into a large circle. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet. Spread caramelized onions on the dough and top with sliced chicories, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
