Three cheese pizza with arugula

Three Cheese Pizza with Arugula – An Unforgettable Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

Three Cheese Pizza with arugula is a recipe that combines the rich flavors of cheeses with the freshness of arugula, resulting in a savory and satisfying pizza. This recipe doesn't strictly follow tradition, adding a touch of creativity with ham and mushrooms for a unique taste. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 grams of type 55 flour
- 25 grams of fresh yeast, diluted in warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Warm water, as needed to obtain an elastic dough
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt (added at the end)

For the toppings:
- 50 grams of mozzarella
- 100 grams of fatty cheese, part grated, the rest sliced
- A few slices of camembert cheese
- A few slices of ham, cut long
- 2 raw champignon mushrooms, sliced very thin
- Optional: a few slices of hot pepper
- A handful of fresh arugula
- Crushed oregano, to taste
- Pizza tomato sauce (preferably homemade, but canned is also fine)
- Salt, to taste

Preparing the Pizza Dough

1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, dilute the fresh yeast in warm water, adding the sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to activate the yeast, ensuring your pizza will be fluffy and delicious.

2. Making the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually adding warm water until you get an elastic and smooth dough.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps develop the gluten, giving the dough the necessary structure.

4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the Pizza Toppings

1. Tomato Sauce: If you choose to make the tomato sauce at home, sauté the peeled tomatoes in olive oil, adding crushed oregano or basil for an irresistible aroma. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If you prefer, you can use canned sauce to save time.

2. Preparing the Toppings: Cut the ham into long strips, and the mushrooms into very thin slices. Slice the mozzarella and fatty cheese, keeping some grated cheese to sprinkle on top.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Rolling out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Use your palms to stretch it into a thin crust of your preferred thickness. Try to keep an even shape.

2. Adding the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a little space at the edges.

3. Adding the Toppings: Sprinkle oregano over the tomato sauce, then add the slices of ham and mushrooms. Next, sprinkle mozzarella and slices of fatty cheese. Add the camembert slices and, if you like, a few slices of hot pepper for a kick.

Baking

1. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to maximum temperature (about 250°C). It’s essential to have a well-heated oven to achieve a crispy crust.

2. Baking the Pizza: Place the pizza on a perforated tray or a baking stone (if you have one) and bake it on the bottom rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes. The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and has a golden crust. The camembert slices will remain partially intact, adding a creamy texture.

Serving

1. Adding the Arugula: Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle fresh arugula on top. Its slightly peppery taste and intense aroma will transform the pizza into an unforgettable culinary experience.

2. Serving Suggestion: Serve Three Cheese Pizza with a glass of dry white wine or craft beer to perfectly complement the rich flavors of the cheeses.

Practical Tips

- Dough: If you want to save time, you can use store-bought pizza dough. However, homemade dough has an incomparable taste.
- Cheeses: You can experiment with various cheeses, such as gorgonzola or brie, to add a personal touch.
- Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just ham and mushrooms. You can also add olives, peppers, or even pineapple, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

Three Cheese Pizza with arugula is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Arugula is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while the cheeses provide protein and calcium. However, be mindful of the cheese portions as they can add calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier option.

2. How can I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

3. Can I freeze pizza?
Yes, pizza can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well and place it in the freezer. Bake it directly from the freezer; it may need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Three Cheese Pizza with arugula is a recipe that brings together tradition and innovation, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. With every bite, you will feel the richness of the cheeses and the freshness of the arugula, making this pizza a true feast. Don’t forget to have fun and experiment with your favorite ingredients! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 400 grams of type 55 flour, 25 grams of yeast diluted with warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, warm water as needed for the dough, 3 tablespoons of olive oil. For the filling: a few long slices of ham, 2 raw champignon mushrooms sliced very thin, 50 grams of mozzarella, a few slices of camembert cheese, 100 grams of fatty cheese grated, the rest left in slices, mozzarella, optional a few slices of hot pepper, a handful of arugula, crushed oregano, pizza tomato sauce (if I have time, I make it myself from peeled tomatoes sautéed in olive oil with crushed oregano or basil; if not, I use canned), salt.

 Tags:  pizza mushrooms mozzarella arugula cheese