Pizza with ricotta and spinach

Pizza with Ricotta and Spinach

Looking for a delicious and simple recipe to impress family and friends? Pizza with ricotta and spinach is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the fresh flavor of spinach, resulting in a savory pizza that is ideal for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 300 ml warm water
- 10 g salt
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients for the topping:
- 250 g ricotta
- 200 g fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and well-drained)
- 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried oregano, for flavor (optional)

Preparing the dough:
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with 100 ml of warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining warm water, and the olive oil.
3. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon, then knead the dough on a work surface for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If using a bread machine, set it to the dough program.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the topping:
5. In a skillet, heat the two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
6. Add the spinach and cook over medium heat until wilted, about 5 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the pizza:
7. Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C with convection).
8. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured work surface into a circle about 5 mm thick.
9. Place the dough on a pizza tray or baking paper. Spread the ricotta evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-2 cm edge.
10. Distribute the spinach and garlic mixture over the ricotta, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. If desired, add dried oregano for extra flavor.

Baking the pizza:
11. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serving:
12. Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, with a fresh salad on the side or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an even bolder taste.

Variation suggestion:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add some slices of tomatoes or black olives on top. Also, if you love cheese, substitute some of the ricotta with feta cheese for a saltier snack.

Ricotta and spinach pizza is a simple, quick, and delicious recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Give it a try and let yourself be carried away by its flavors!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 400 g flour, 100 g semolina, 320 ml warm water, 1 tablespoon of oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, 7 g dry yeast. For the topping: 250 g frozen spinach, 1 tablespoon of oil, 100 g ricotta, 250 g mozzarella.