Shrimp and Asparagus Pizza

Shrimp and Asparagus Pizza – a refined delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the culinary world where pizza becomes a true feast! Today's recipe combines the delicate flavors of shrimp with the crunchy texture of asparagus, resulting in a unique pizza, perfect for a special dinner or a weekend evening with friends. So, let’s get started!

A bit of history

Pizza, a dish that has conquered the entire world, has deep roots in culinary traditions. From simple bread dough, it has evolved into the delight we know today. The addition of ingredients like shrimp and asparagus brings a touch of elegance, making pizza suitable even for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour 650
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (250 ml) warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:
- 250 g peeled shrimp
- 150 g bacon, cut into thin strips
- 3-4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 1/2 dried chili pepper (or to taste), sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 250 g mozzarella, cut into pieces
- A few tips of asparagus blanched in water (or frozen)
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential for a fluffy dough!

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour with the salt. This will help to homogenize the ingredients and prevent clumping.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Use a spatula or your hands to combine everything until you get a smooth mass.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

5. Fermentation: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. The dough should double in volume – a sign that the yeast is doing its job!

Preparing the topping

1. Heating the oil: In a pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili pepper. Let them sauté for 2-3 minutes to release their flavors.

2. Caramelizing the bacon: Add the sliced bacon and sauté until it becomes crispy and golden. This step will add a pleasant savory flavor to your pizza.

3. Cooking the shrimp: Incorporate the shrimp into the pan, cooking them for about 1 minute on each side. They do not need to be fully cooked, just to turn pink, as they will finish cooking in the oven.

Assembling the pizza

1. Preparing the dough: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and knead it again to eliminate air. Then, roll it out on a floured surface or directly in the baking tray to a thickness of about 1 cm. If you like, you can use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly.

2. Placing in the tray: Place the crust in the baking tray where you have sprinkled a little cornmeal or semolina to prevent sticking.

3. Adding the topping: Now is the time to let your imagination run wild! Spread the mozzarella evenly over the crust, add the shrimp and caramelized bacon, then drizzle with the oil from the pan. Finally, place the tips of asparagus.

4. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to a high temperature (about 220-250°C) and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and starts to brown.

Serving

Shrimp and asparagus pizza is served hot, sprinkled with freshly ground pepper. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. This pizza pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad on the side and, why not, a glass of refreshing white wine.

Useful tips

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a distinctive note. You can also replace the bacon with prosciutto or a vegetarian option like mushrooms.
- Keeping freshness: If you have leftover pizza, you can keep it in the fridge for 1-2 days, well wrapped in plastic wrap. When you want to reheat it, use the oven to restore its crispy texture.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, make sure to thaw them completely and dry them well before cooking.
- How can I tell if the dough is ready? The dough is ready when it has doubled in volume and has an elastic texture.

Nutrition

This pizza is not only delicious but also nutritious. Shrimp are an excellent source of protein, and asparagus provides an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Wheat flour contains complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. A serving of pizza (about 1/4 of the pizza) has around 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

I wish you success in preparing this shrimp and asparagus pizza! Each bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures that will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share this recipe with your loved ones!