Mini-pizza

Mini Pizza with Telemea and Tomatoes: A Quick and Delicious Treat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 9 mini pizzas

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe, mini pizzas with telemea and tomatoes are the perfect choice! This recipe not only optimizes the ingredients from your fridge but also gives you the chance to enjoy a delicious meal in record time. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course, these mini pizzas are always a hit.

A Short Story about Mini Pizza

Mini pizzas are an adaptation of the traditional version, brought to small sizes for easy enjoyment. They originally emerged as a way to use leftover dough and ingredients, transforming them into appetizing dishes. Whether you combine them with various ingredients or customize them to your taste, mini pizzas are versatile and can be adapted for any occasion.

Ingredients

- 400 g puff pastry (thawed)
- 200 g smoked chicken breast (or other deli meats like ham or roast)
- 150 g canned diced tomatoes (we recommend Cirio brand for an authentic taste)
- 50 g canned corn
- 200 g grated cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons pitted olives, sliced
- 2-3 slices of telemea, cubed (or feta cheese for a saltier note)
- Fresh basil, thyme, oregano (to taste)

Necessary Utensils

- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Thawing the Dough: Start by thawing the puff pastry. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, more quickly, at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Make sure the dough is completely thawed before use for even stretching.

2. Preheating the Oven: Before starting the preparation, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This way, the mini pizzas will bake evenly and achieve a crispy crust.

3. Preparing the Ingredients: Grate the cheese, cut the chicken breast into small cubes, and slice the olives. If you're using telemea, cut it into small cubes as well. It's important to have all ingredients prepared before assembling the mini pizzas.

4. Preparing the Tomato Sauce: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with your desired spices: basil, thyme, and oregano. Put the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it starts to boil. This step is essential to bring the flavors to the forefront.

5. Assembling the Mini Pizzas: Divide the puff pastry into 9 equal squares. Place each square on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving about two fingers of space between them. On each square, spread half a tablespoon of the prepared tomato sauce.

6. Adding the Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese on each mini pizza, followed by corn, chicken breast cubes, olives, and telemea cubes. This mix of ingredients will give the mini pizzas a rich and savory flavor.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the mini pizzas for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and crispy. I recommend checking them occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.

8. Serving: Once the mini pizzas are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt dip for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Variations: You can adapt the recipe according to your preferences. Substitute the chicken breast with tuna or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Also, experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect combination.

- Flavors: Add some slices of bell pepper or caramelized onion for an extra flavor boost. You can even use chili sauce or pesto for a more distinct taste.

- Storing the Dough: If you have leftover puff pastry, you can keep it in the freezer for future recipes. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional Information

Mini pizzas are a good source of protein thanks to the chicken breast and cheese. Additionally, the corn adds fiber and vitamins. However, if you are concerned about calories, you can opt for light cheese and reduce the amount of oil used in the sauce preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use pizza dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, pizza dough can be used, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry provides a crispier and flakier crust.

- How can I make tomato sauce at home?
You can use fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and your favorite spices. Simmer all the ingredients over low heat until the sauce thickens.

Serving

These mini pizzas are excellent alongside a cold lemonade or a light white wine. Additionally, a fresh vegetable salad with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon perfectly complements the meal.

Personal Note

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can play with the ingredients and create unique combinations based on the season or personal preferences. It’s also a wonderful recipe to involve kids in the kitchen – you can let them customize their own mini pizzas!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and that mini pizzas with telemea and tomatoes quickly become a favorite in your home! Enjoy your meal!