Spinach Pizza

Spinach and Cherry Tomato Pizza: A Green and Flavorful Culinary Experience

Who would have thought that a pizza could be so vibrant and healthy? Spinach and cherry tomato pizza is a recipe that brings a splash of freshness to your plate, combining simple ingredients in a delicious way. It is a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a meal with friends, and its colors will delight your eyes and taste buds. Let’s discover together how to prepare this marvel!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A Brief History of Spinach Pizza

Pizza, a staple food in many cultures, has evolved over time from a simple bread pie into various forms and flavors. This spinach version is a healthy reinterpretation of the classic, paying homage to fresh and natural ingredients. Spinach, rich in vitamins and minerals, is a versatile ingredient, perfect for combining with cheese and tomato sauce.

Necessary Ingredients

For the crispy dough:
- 300 g flour
- 75 g semolina
- 225 ml water
- 1 packet of yeast (7 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste

For the filling:
- About 300 g frozen spinach (280 g measured)
- 250 g mozzarella
- 200 g tomato sauce (we recommend Cirio sauce for a rich flavor)
- Herbs: thyme, basil, oregano (to taste)
- Optional: a mix of cheese and pizza cheese (e.g., parmesan)
- A few cherry tomatoes or slices of regular tomatoes (for decoration)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, semolina, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the olive oil and mix well.
3. Gradually pour in the warm water into the dry mixture, starting to knead with a spoon or your hands. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.
4. Lightly score the dough with a knife, then cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from direct heat sources, for 30-40 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

5. Meanwhile, conduct a mini culinary process: heat a pan and add the frozen spinach. Cook over medium heat until it thaws, then drain well in a sieve to remove excess water.
6. In another pot, heat the tomato sauce, adding thyme, basil, and oregano to taste. This will be the flavorful base of your pizza!
7. Using a food processor or a grater, grate the mozzarella, preparing it to be added to the pizza.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

8. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (the pizza setting is ideal).
9. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a thin sheet.
10. Place the dough in the pizza pan lined with parchment paper. With a fork, prick the dough here and there to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
11. Bake the pizza base in the oven for 10 minutes to pre-bake it.

Step 4: Finalize the Pizza

12. Remove the base from the oven and generously spread the prepared tomato sauce on top.
13. Add the well-drained spinach, followed by the grated mozzarella, and if desired, a mix of cheeses for an even richer flavor.
14. Decorate with halved cherry tomatoes, placing them evenly on top.
15. Put the pizza back in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the crust is crispy.

Serving and Final Suggestions

Spinach and cherry tomato pizza is perfect when served warm, right after being taken out of the oven. You can drizzle a little olive oil on top or add chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor. It’s wonderful to serve alongside a fresh green salad or a refreshing lemonade.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I make the pizza lower in calories? Replace mozzarella with a light version or use more spinach and vegetables.
- What other toppings can I add? You can experiment with mushrooms, olives, or various fresh herbs.
- How do I store the pizza for the next day? You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, but it’s best to consume it fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

This pizza is an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and cheese adds a source of calcium. Whole wheat flour in the dough provides fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet.

Possible Variations

If you want to customize the recipe, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to create a unique pizza tailored to your preferences.

Spinach and cherry tomato pizza is not just a recipe, but an invitation to culinary creativity. Whether you prepare it for a quiet evening at home or for a party with friends, this pizza will surely be appreciated. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: I used the oven's pizza tray and the following ingredients (photo 1 and photo 2 - more for aesthetic reasons :) ): For the crispy dough: 1. 300 g flour 2. 75 g semolina 3. 225 ml water 4. one packet of yeast (7 g) 5. one tablespoon of olive oil (which got lost and doesn't appear in the picture) 6. salt For the rest of the composition: 1. approx. 300 g (280 g measured) frozen spinach 2. 250 g mozzarella 3. 200 g Cirio tomato sauce 4. thyme, basil, oregano 5. optional mix of cheese and pizza cheese (like parmesan) 6. a few cherry tomatoes or a few slices of regular tomatoes