Flower Pizza

Flower Pizza - A Spring Delicacy for the Whole Family

Pizza is definitely a beloved dish in many families, and in my house, it is a weekly ritual. My husband and son would eat pizza at every meal! Thus, I always challenge my imagination, and this spring, I thought to surprise them with a pizza decorated in the shape of a flower. Let's embark together on this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-45 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g of flour
- 125 ml of warm water or warm milk
- 15 g of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 6 tablespoons of tomato sauce (or homemade ketchup)
- Spices (salt, pepper, thyme)
- 100 g of grated cheese
- 100 g of pitted black olives (or with pits, if you have the patience to pit them)
- 100 g of smoked bacon, cut into thin strips
- 100 g of corn kernels (canned)
- 1-2 thin, smoked sausages

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Making the Dough

1. In a bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center.
2. Warm the water or milk slightly. Add the yeast and sugar, mixing well until dissolved.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the center of the flour and start mixing with a spoon. When the dough starts to stick to the spoon and becomes hard to mix, it's time to use your hands.
4. Sprinkle a little flour on your hands and knead the dough until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. Add salt and mix well.
5. Grease a bowl with oil and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm place, like the microwave (without turning it on!), for 30-45 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. If you don't have prepared tomato sauce, combine 4 tablespoons of broth with 4 tablespoons of water, a little salt, pepper, thyme, and 2 crushed garlic cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.
2. Grate the cheese on a fine grater, chop the olives finely, cut the bacon into thin strips, and slice the sausages into rounds.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
2. Grease a round baking tray (28 cm in diameter) with a little olive oil.
3. Take the risen dough and place it in the center of the tray. With oiled hands, spread the dough across the entire surface of the tray. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
4. Spread the tomato sauce over the entire surface of the pizza, add the spices, and then sprinkle with grated cheese.
5. Arrange the bacon strips like flower petals, and in between, add corn kernels. Place the sausage rounds around the edge, and in the center, press in the chopped olives.

Step 4: Baking

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until it is beautifully golden brown. Enjoy the delicious aroma that will fill the kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

This flower pizza is perfect served warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or a refreshing drink, such as tomato juice with basil or homemade lemonade. The combination of the salty taste of the bacon and the sweetness of the corn makes it truly irresistible!

Nutritional Benefits

Flower Pizza, although an indulgent dish, can be adapted to include healthier ingredients, such as low-fat cheese or fresh vegetables. Using fresh ingredients and a homemade dough base allows for control over quality and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be a healthier alternative, but it may require a little extra water to achieve the right texture.

2. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a tropical touch.

3. How can I store leftover pizza?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.

Tips for a Perfect Result

- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before using them to facilitate even dough rising.
- Experiment with various spices to customize the tomato sauce; adding fresh basil or oregano can completely change the flavor.
- Use a pizza stone in the oven, if you have one, to achieve a crispier crust.

About Pizza

Pizza has a long and varied history, evolving over the centuries. From a simple flatbread topped with ingredients, it has become a symbol of culinary diversity worldwide. Every family has its own recipe, and our Flower Pizza is a wonderful opportunity to add an artistic touch to the kitchen.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to put on your chef's hat and embark on this culinary adventure. I promise this flower pizza will bring smiles and joy to your table!