Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
365 | 18g | 6g | 35g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 2g | 20g | 0.8g |
Steeped in my past, Squash Blossom Pizza draws upon what I hold dear to my heart. As a culinary creator uniquely straddling the double-traditions of Montana rancher’s favorites and Native American recipes, I find in this dish an inviting echo of my childhood – rustic and true, but innovative in its own right. My story finds voice in this exquisite combination of unique flavors and healthy ingredients, underpinned by the desire to celebrate the earth’s harvest.
Simplicity, Satisfaction, and Nutritional Goodness
The Squash Blossom Pizza is a symphony of fresh, wholesome ingredients bringing to your table an array of health benefits, too. The squash blossoms, a cherished part of Indigenous recipes, are not only a visual treat but also an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C.Here’s a study that talks about it more. Moreover, the rich assortment of cheeses contributes healthy fats and proteins – essential components for a healthy lifestyle.
Flavors that Sing to Your Palette and Tell a Story
This recipe is by no means average – each bite of Squash Blossom Pizza will transport you to the heart of the Montana landscape that I call home. The base, a hearty pizza dough, perfectly contrasts with the delicate squash blossoms, reminiscent of my ranch upbringing. The triple cheese layer gives it a rustic, homey feel while cherry tomatoes add the perfect hint of sweetness and freshness, a subtle nod to the Native American value of celebrating locally and seasonally sourced ingredients.
In a way, one can see parallels between this recipe and a traditional Margherita pizza with its simple, farm-fresh ingredients and deep flavors. Served with a fresh arugula salad or creamy avocado pasta, this Squash Blossom Pizza shines as the prime showcase of comfort and health meeting in one tantalizing dish.
With every element of the Squash Blossom Pizza, you learn a little more about me, my journey, and how this recipe has come to hold a special place in my heart, one that I’m honoured to share with you.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
- 8 squash blossoms, stamens removed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal, for dusting the pizza stone or baking sheet
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C) and if you are using a pizza stone, put it in the oven to heat up.
Step Two
While the oven is preheating, take your squash blossoms and carefully remove the stamens from the inside of the flowers. Set these aside for later.
Step Three
Next, take your room temperature pizza dough and spread it out on a floured surface into your desired size and shape.
Step Four
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it all together.
Step Five
Once your dough is ready, carefully transfer it to your heated pizza stone or baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal. Be careful, the stone will be very hot!
Step Six
Drizzle the dough with a bit of olive oil, then evenly spread the cheese mixture over the dough. Arrange the squash blossoms on top of the cheese. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes all over.
Step Seven
Place your pizza in the oven to bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melty and lightly browned.
Step Eight
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil just before serving. Enjoy!