| Prep: 50 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 465 | 20g | 5g | 59g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 18g | 0.85g |
There are few things in this world that are more delicious, or bring back such glowing memories for me, as a good pizza. Yet as every real food lover knows, not just any pizza will do – it has to be something special. The Courgette Flower Pizza is one such recipe that proudly stands atop my list. I admire not only for its delightful blend of fresh ingredients but also for its health benefits, and its unique option to tailor it to your dietary preference.
A Dance Between Flavors
The Courgette Flower Pizza is just that – a dance between tastes that tantalize the tongue in every bite. It combines robust, garden-fresh ingredients with a precisely crafted balance. It is a symphony of flavors, that rings sweet symphonies like salsa music on Saturday nights: a wild mixture of rhythm, color, and joy.
Drawing from my Hispanic roots, I know a thing or two about dances – and this pizza doesn’t dance alone. Pair it with a fresh tropical drink, like a Mojito, or a Spanish Sangria to turn your meal into a veritable party. To those who know the joys of tapas, the Courgette Flower Pizza echoes the same charm.
Nourishment that Comes Naturally
This isn’t just a dish that dances on the tongue, it’s actually incredibly healthy for you as well. With courgettes, also known as zucchinis, and courgette flowers gracing the topping, this pizza offers an excellent, low calorie source of dietary fiber. Zucchinis are packed with beneficial nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium. Plus, they are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – a perfect balance with the more indulgent mozzarella and feta cheeses.
And, if you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll spot the similarity to Greek Pizza, with the ripe tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Quite fittingly for this fusion dish, not only does this pizza pair well with the classic offerings of Spanish cuisine, think Patatas Bravas or Gambas al Ajillo, it also makes an outstanding accompaniment to a simple, lightly dressed Greek salad or a Greek Lentil soup.
The Courgette Flower Pizza is a genuine all-rounder – a pizza that is not just hard to resist but brings a wealth of flavors and health benefits to your table. It’s a recipe that, through all its simplicity, manages to capture the very essence of Mediterranean cuisine, and brings it to life within your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of warm water
- 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 3.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of thinly sliced courgette (zucchini)
- 12 courgette (zucchini) flowers
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup of pitted and halved olives
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh basil
Method
Step One
First, in a large bowl, combine the warm water and the granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Next, sprinkle active dry yeast over the surface of the water. Set this aside for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast is frothy.
Step Two
Next, add to the yeast mixture all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir everything together until a dough forms. Once the dough comes together, place it on a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step Three
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Punch the dough down and then divide it in half. Roll out each half of the dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a 12-inch circle. Place the dough circles onto baking sheets.
Step Four
Now, spread the pizza sauce evenly over each circle of dough. Top the sauce with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Lay the thinly sliced courgette and courgette flowers evenly on top of the cheese. Next, scatter over the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, halved olives, crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped fresh basil.
Step Five
Once your pizzas are assembled, bake them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Courgette Flower Pizza!
