Pizza with arugula and shrimp

Pizza with rocket and prawns

Who doesn't love a delicious pizza? This recipe with arugula and prawns brings a fresh and sophisticated touch, perfect for an elegant dinner or an evening with friends. I invite you to explore with me this simple and quick recipe that is sure to impress any gourmet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 2

A short history of pizza

Pizza as we know it today has evolved over the centuries. Although Italians are believed to have popularized it, its origins go back to ancient times, when various Middle Eastern cultures prepared flatbreads baked on hot stones. These breads evolved into what we call pizza today. In the 19th century, the baker Raffaele Esposito created the famous Margherita pizza, using ingredients representative of Italy, and since then pizza has become a symbol of world gastronomy.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 8 tbsp flour
- Yeast the size of a hazelnut
- 2 tablespoons lukewarm oil
- Salt to taste
- Warm water (as needed)
- Tarragon and basil to taste

For the topping:
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste (preferably homemade)
- 100 g fresh rocket
- 100 g prawns (preferably fresh or thawed)
- 50 g corn
- 6 suitable mushrooms (preferably champignon)
- A few slices of pepper (red or yellow)
- Olives, to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt, tarragon and basil. This mixture will give the pastry a special flavor.
- In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in a small amount of lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
- Add the warm oil and activated yeast to the flour mixture. Start adding the lukewarm water gradually, kneading with your hands until you have an elastic dough. It should be slightly sticky, but not excessively so. If necessary, add a little extra flour.

2. Fough the dough:
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. It doesn't need to rise much, just puff up a bit.

3. Forming the countertop:
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a round, approximately 0.5 cm thick dough.
- Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Roll the edges, forming a slightly raised edge.

4. Adding toppings:
- Spread the 4 tablespoons of tomato paste evenly on the pizza crust. Be sure to cover it well to avoid drying out the dough during baking.
- Place the shrimp, corn, sliced mushrooms, pepper slices and olives on the pizza. You can be creative with the arrangement of ingredients to make it more visually appealing.

5. Baking the pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Place the pizza pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check periodically.

6. Finalizing and serving:
- Once the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add fresh arugula on top of the warm pizza to give it a touch of freshness and crunch.

Helpful hints

- Tomato paste: If you have the time, making a homemade tomato paste adds an authentic flavor. Sauté fresh tomatoes with garlic and basil for a great topping.
- Variations: You can replace the shrimp with grilled chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add feta cheese or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Serving: This pizza pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. Offer it as an appetizer or as a main course with a green salad.

Nutritional benefits

Pizza with rocket and prawns is not only delicious, it's also nutritious. Arugula is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and shrimp provides an excellent source of protein. It's a balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour for the countertop?
- Yes, you can use wholemeal flour for a healthier counter or gluten-free flour if you are gluten intolerant.

2. What else can I add on pizza?
- Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini, onions or spinach. You can also add spices like oregano or chili for extra flavor.

3. How can I reheat pizza the next day?
- Reheat the pizza in a pan over low heat to keep the crust crisp. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven.

Personal note

This arugula and shrimp pizza recipe has become a family favorite. It's versatile and can be customized to your preferences, and the fresh arugula adds a delicious contrast to the shrimp. I encourage you to experiment and find the perfect combination for your tastes. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the base: 8 heaping tablespoons of flour, yeast the size of a hazelnut, two tablespoons of warm oil, salt to taste, warm water as needed, thyme and basil. Ingredients for the topping: 4 tablespoons of tomato paste (preferably homemade), 100 g arugula, 100 g shrimp, 50 g corn, 6 medium mushrooms, a few slices of bell pepper, olives.