| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 351 | 18g | 7g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 15g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Argentine Grilled Vegetarian Pizza
There’s something extraordinarily heartening and comforting about sitting down to a meal that not only nourishes the body but the soul too. Allow me to introduce you to the star of this narrative, the delightful Argentine dish – the Grilled Vegetarian Pizza. Imagine an array of vibrant, fresh vegetables, a drizzle of olive oil, and melting cheese atop a crisp homemade pizza crust. It might not be the spaghetti and meatballs I grew up with, but it sure does bring family together around the table.
Connecting Heritage and Health-conscious Choices
Yes, I’m Luca Bianchi, an Italian-American at heart with a profound love for traditional dishes. However, my culinary journey has led me to venture out from my Italian-American roots and explore various international cuisine. This Grilled Vegetarian Pizza is a prime example of combining the pizza-making heritage I inherited from my Italian grandparents, with a desire to offer delicious and health conscious choices. It’s this blend of cultural creativity and health-conscious choices that make this recipe so special to me.
A Nod To Argentine Delight
So, where does the Argentine angle come in, you ask? Well, let’s just say it was inspired by Francis Mallmann, an Argentine chef renowned for his skilful South American grilling techniques. Not only do the grilled vegetables lend this pizza a smoky edge, but they also add a touch of Argentine charm into the mix.
Believe it or not, even though it’s akin to the Italian Pizza Ortolana, involving a host of grilled vegetables, it still maintains its unique identity. In fact, it pairs well with a fresh green salad or a portion of mixed olives for the full Argentine experience.
To say I love this Grilled Vegetarian Pizza would be an understatement. It brings me joy as a grandfather to share a wide variety of flavors with my grandchildren, just as my grandparents did for me. Plus, after a hearty meal like this, I’m always fueled for a hike on the blissful New Jersey trails the next day.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pizza dough recipe or store-bought pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted olives
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Method
Step One
Prepare the grill for medium-high heat. If you’re using store-bought pizza crust, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling. If making pizza dough from scratch, prepare according to your recipe’s instructions.
Step Two
Brush the vegetables (bell pepper, red onion, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini) lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are slightly charred and tender. Once done, place the grilled vegetables aside.
Step Three
Roll out the pizza dough into your desired thickness on a piece of parchment paper. Lightly brush one side of the pizza dough with olive oil—this side will be the side that goes onto the grill first.
Step Four
Carefully transfer the dough onto the grill, using the parchment paper to turn it onto the grate. Grill the dough for 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and the bottom is lightly charred.
Step Five
Once the dough is a nice golden brown on the bottom, flip it over so that the grilled side is facing up. Spread on the pizza sauce, then evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese.
Step Six
Arrange the grilled vegetables on top of the cheese. Add the olives, spinach leaves, and if desired, crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle with dried oregano and dried basil.
Step Seven
Close the grill lid and let the pizza cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bottom of the dough is golden and crispy.
Step Eight
Carefully remove the pizza from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade grilled vegetarian pizza!
