| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 20g | 6g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 14g | 0.32g |
As a die-hard New Yorker, my love for the culinary diversity the city offers is reflected in the recipes I create. Taking inspiration from NYC’s unique blend of cultures, I can’t help but feel exhilarated when I present to you this sensational rendition of a classic – the Holy Basil and Mushroom Pizza. This recipe takes the ubiquitous pizza and adds a refreshing twist that pulls from both traditional Italian and Asian culinary techniques.
Unearth the Flavor
This pizza is a symphony of flavors with the delicate tang of vine-ripe tomatoes, the subtle sweetness of red onions, and the earthy undertones of fresh sliced mushrooms. Marinated with garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and holy basil (or Tulsi), a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, the pizza is a delightful fusion of wellness and gastronomic pleasure. Infused with heart-healthy olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and salt, every bite bursts with flavor, truly awakening your senses.
A Nod to the Classics
Despite flavor innovations, my recipe pays homage to traditional pizza with a golden, pre-baked crust and bubbling mozzarella cheese. Artfully spread on top of the crust is a delectable layer of marinara sauce. This Holy Basil and Mushroom Pizza has a comforting familiarity, married with a taste that’s refreshingly unexpected. It’s akin to a classic Margherita, yet its unique topping profile imbues it with an identity all its own.
This can easily become the star of your pizza nights, stealing the spotlight from mainstays like Pepperoni and Hawaiian. And if you’re a fan of pairing your pizza with some fine drinks, a robust Italian red wine would make an excellent accompaniment. Complement the meal further with a simple fresh salad – perhaps an arugula and parmesan salad with a light balsamic dressing.
In every sense, cooking is an art form. Recipes are our canvas and ingredients, the colors with which we paint. The Holy Basil and Mushroom Pizza is more than just a sum of its parts; it’s my culinary homage to the vibrancy and diversity of New York, expressively crafted for your taste buds.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pre-baked pizza crust (12 inch)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup holy basil leaves, torn
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats.
Step Two
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and red onions. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Saute until the vegetables have softened and the mushrooms have released their liquid. Set aside.
Step Three
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the mushroom-onion mixture evenly over the cheese. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the mushrooms and onions. Then scatter the torn holy basil leaves over the top. Finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and the dried Italian seasoning.
Step Four
Transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven (place on the pizza stone, if using). Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Step Five
Enjoy your homemade Holy Basil and Mushroom Pizza!
