Two in one: lichis and pizza

Delicious Lychee and Pizza Recipe - A Perfect Combination of Textures and Flavors

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings of lychees and one generous pizza

Introduction

The kitchen is a magical place where traditions intertwine with innovation, and recipes become family stories. Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that perfectly combines two beloved dishes: lychees and pizza. This dish is not just a simple meal, but a culinary experience that will bring joy to your tables. Lychees are a type of stuffed pastry, and pizza adds a splash of cheer to every slice. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg of flour
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 40 g of fresh yeast
- 500 ml of warm water (about 37-40°C)
- 3 tablespoons of milk

*For the lychee filling:*
- 6-8 large potatoes
- 2 large onions (or more green onions, to taste)
- Oil (or a mixture of oil and lard)
- Salt and pepper to taste

*For the pizza filling:*
- Onion (to taste)
- Sliced pastrami
- Feta cheese (preferably drier)
- Tomato sauce (homemade, flavorful)
- Spices of choice (oregano, basil)

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. This step is essential, as the salt will help develop the gluten, giving the dough an elastic texture.
2. In another container, crush the fresh yeast together with the sugar. This combination will activate the yeast, facilitating fermentation.
3. Add the warm milk to the crushed yeast and mix until the yeast is completely dissolved.
4. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour and salt. Then, gradually add the warm water and oil, mixing constantly.
5. When the ingredients are well incorporated, transfer the dough to a work surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the water is not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- A well-kneaded dough will stretch easily and rise evenly, so don’t skip this step!

6. Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for an hour, or until its volume doubles.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. While the dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the filling. Chop the onion finely (or into thin slices, depending on your preference) and peel the potatoes. Cut them into quarters, then into very thin slices or, if you prefer, you can grate them.
2. In a large skillet, add the oil (or the mixture of oil and lard) and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the sliced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook together until the potatoes start to soften, but not completely, as they will also bake in the oven.

Step 3: Assembling the lychees

1. After the dough has risen, divide it into suitable pieces (4-6, depending on the desired size of the lychees).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a thin, even shape.
3. Add the potato and onion filling to the center of the dough, leaving free edges to seal the lychees.
4. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing each lychee well. Place them in a greased baking tray.

Step 4: Preparing the pizza

1. From the same dough, take a larger piece and roll it out into a round shape for the pizza.
2. Spread the tomato sauce (preferably homemade for an authentic taste), add the sautéed onion, pastrami, and grated feta. Season with your favorite spices.
3. Place the pizza on a tray and let it rise together with the lychees for another 15 minutes.

Step 5: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature, around 180-200°C.
2. Brush the lychees with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the lychees and pizza simultaneously if you have two racks; otherwise, bake them one at a time.
3. The lychees will bake for 30-40 minutes, while the pizza may be ready sooner, in 20-30 minutes, so check them periodically.

Helpful tips:
- If you want a crispy crust, use a preheated tray.
- In the last minutes of baking, you can turn on the oven grill to achieve a nice browning.

Step 6: Serving

1. After baking, remove the lychees and pizza from the oven. Brush the lychees with a thin layer of bacon to give them an even richer taste.
2. Cover them with a clean towel to keep them soft and warm.
3. Serve them immediately, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, to complete the meal.

Variations and serving suggestions

- The lychee filling can be adapted to taste. You can use sautéed cabbage or cheese with eggs for a delicious variant.
- The pizza can be customized with your favorite ingredients: mushrooms, olives, peppers, or even anchovies.
- These dishes are excellent both hot and cold, so feel free to bring them to picnics or parties.

Nutritional benefits

These lychees and pizza are excellent sources of carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy for an active day. Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, while cheese and meat add essential proteins. By using fresh and quality ingredients, you can turn this dish into a nutritious and delicious option.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I do if I don’t have fresh yeast?
You can use dry yeast, but check the instructions on the package to adjust the quantity.

2. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.

3. How can I prevent the lychees from becoming too dry?
Make sure not to bake the lychees too long and cover them with a towel after removing them from the oven.

I conclude this recipe with the hope that you will experience the joy of cooking and savoring these delicious lychees and pizza with your loved ones. Each bite will be a memory filled with warmth and good cheer! Enjoy your meal!