Pizza with eggplant

Eggplant Pizza - A Mediterranean Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of eggplant pizza! This recipe is more than just a dish – it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that will turn any meal into a celebration. Eggplant pizza combines fresh, healthy ingredients with a soft and fluffy dough, providing you with a unique culinary experience. Plus, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g flour (ideally type 00 flour for a more elastic dough)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavor)
- 140-150 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 20 g fresh yeast (the leavening agent that adds fluffiness)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (for exceptional flavor and a fine texture)

For the topping:
- 1 eggplant (choose a firm one without blemishes)
- 2-3 tomatoes (fresh and well-ripened for an intense flavor)
- 100 g cheese (or mozzarella for a creamier effect)

For the sauce:
- 1 onion (medium-sized for a sweet flavor)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (fresh, for a vibrant aroma)
- 1 tomato (large and well-ripened for a delicious sauce)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste (to enhance color and flavor)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, sift the flour. This will help aerate the flour and prevent lumps.
- Make a well in the center and add the fresh yeast. Sprinkle a little sugar over it and pour in the lukewarm water, gently mixing with a fork. Let the yeast bubble for 5-10 minutes.
- Once the yeast is activated, start kneading the dough, gradually incorporating the salt. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your fingers.
- Finally, add the olive oil and continue kneading for a few more minutes. This step will give the dough a richer flavor.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

2. Making the Sauce
- While the dough is rising, you can prepare the sauce. Peel the tomato by immersing it in hot water for a minute, then chop it into cubes.
- Finely chop the onion and grate the garlic.
- In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the onion and garlic. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until they become translucent without browning.
- Add the tomato and the teaspoon of tomato paste, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the tomato breaks down. Season with a little salt and let the sauce cool.

3. Preparing the Eggplant
- Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1 cm thick. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and add a slight tanginess.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the eggplant slices on both sides until golden. Don’t fry them too hard; the goal is to soften them, not make them crispy.
- Remove the eggplant to absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Assembling the Pizza
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round pizza base as evenly as possible.
- Grease a baking tray with olive oil and transfer the dough onto it. Use your fingers to spread it out evenly.
- Spread the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, then arrange the eggplant slices followed by the tomato slices.
- Grate the cheese on top and place the tray in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius. Bake for 30 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy.

5. Finishing and Serving
- Near the end, add a few fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. It can be served warm alongside a fresh green salad or a glass of white wine.

Helpful Tips
- Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free flour to make this pizza suitable for those with intolerances.
- Additions: Try adding green or black olives, red peppers, or even mushrooms to diversify the toppings.
- International flavors: If you want a spicy kick, add a bit of chili pepper to the sauce.
- Storing eggplants: If you have leftover eggplants, you can freeze them after frying for later use.

Nutritional Benefits
Eggplant pizza is a healthy choice, rich in fiber and antioxidants due to the fresh vegetables. Eggplants are low in calories and contain essential vitamins, while tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the pizza be stored? Yes, the pizza can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms are excellent for diversifying the toppings.
- What’s the secret to perfect dough? Thorough kneading and rising in warm conditions are essential for fluffy dough.

Eggplant pizza is definitely a recipe that will become a favorite in your family. With every bite, you will feel the joy of savoring a dish made with love. So don’t hesitate to prepare it, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy a delicious meal! Bon appétit!