Mediterranean pizza with eggplant

Mediterranean Eggplant Pizza - A Light and Flavorful Delicacy

Who doesn't love a delicious pizza with fresh ingredients and flavors that remind us of the Mediterranean sun? This Mediterranean eggplant pizza recipe is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Moreover, it is an excellent option for those who want to explore Mediterranean cuisine in a simple and accessible way. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2 medium pizzas

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 300 g wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons palm oil (or olive oil)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Approximately 250 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

For the Topping (for 1 pizza):
- 4 slices of eggplant
- 70 g feta cheese
- 70 g grated haloumi cheese (similar to mozzarella, made from goat's milk)
- Grated parmesan (optional, about 30 g)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Slices of bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for a vibrant look)
- Homemade basil ketchup (or tomato sauce)
- Olives (optional, to taste)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the semolina with sugar, salt, palm oil, and 50 ml of warm water. Add the dry yeast and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Kneading the Dough: After 10 minutes, gradually add the flour followed by the remaining water. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little more flour. Grease the dough with olive oil and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Topping

3. Preparing the Eggplant: Cut thin slices of eggplant and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to remove the bitter juice. After that, rinse the eggplant under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to absorb excess water. Fry the eggplant in a pan with a little olive oil (about a teaspoon) for 5 minutes on each side until they become golden and tender.

4. Preparing the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with basil and homemade ketchup to create a tasty sauce that will season the pizza. You can also add a little crushed garlic for extra flavor.

Assembling the Pizza

5. Dividing the Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part by hand on a floured surface to form round pizza bases.

6. Layering the Ingredients: Spread the prepared sauce on the base, then add the grated haloumi cheese, followed by the fried eggplant, crumbled feta cheese, bell pepper slices, and if desired, a few olives. Sprinkle a little garlic powder and grated parmesan on top for an intense flavor.

Baking the Pizza

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and let it bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Serving

8. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut the pizza into slices and serve it with homemade ketchup and grated parmesan on top if desired.

Enjoy your meal! This Mediterranean eggplant pizza is not only delicious but also healthy, rich in fiber and protein due to the vegetables and cheeses used.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh touch. You can also substitute haloumi cheese with mozzarella or goat cheese for a different taste.
- Advance Preparation: The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, and the topping can be prepared in advance, saving time on the day you want to serve the pizza.
- Recommended Drinks: This pizza pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade for a refreshing and delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to make the pizza healthier.
- How can I prevent the dough from sticking? Make sure the work surface and your hands are well floured. You can also use oil to grease your hands.
- Is pizza healthy? This pizza is a healthy choice as it contains fresh vegetables, moderate-fat cheeses, and a homemade crust without preservatives.

Nutritional Benefits

Eggplants are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Feta and haloumi cheese provide protein and calcium, while bell peppers add a dose of vitamin C. This Mediterranean pizza is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for the whole family.

In conclusion, Mediterranean eggplant pizza is a versatile recipe, easy to customize, and perfect for bringing joy to your table. Enjoy the freshness of the ingredients and let your imagination run wild! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 300 g flour 2 tablespoons semolina 2 tablespoons palm oil 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 packet dry yeast 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar about 250 ml warm water 1 tablespoon olive oil Filling for 1 pizza: 4 slices of eggplant 70 g feta cheese 70 g grated halloumi (cheese similar to mozzarella made from goat's milk) grated parmesan (to taste or about 30 g) garlic powder bell pepper slices homemade ketchup with basil you can also add olives (I did not add them)

 Tags:  mediterranean pizza eggplants