Il Cucinologo
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Beet Pizza

17/11/2023

Beet pizza is a colorful and nutritious variation of classic pizza. Before proceeding, I must tell you that if you don’t have already cooked beetroot, you will need to cook it before starting to prepare the pizza. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 250 gr of flour (you can use 00 flour or whole wheat for a more rustic version)
  • 15 gr fresh yeast or 5 gr dry yeast
  • 150 ml lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 200 gr cooked beetroot (you can use it fresh, roasted in the oven, or pre-cooked vacuum-packed)
  • 150 gr mozzarella (or a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves or arugula for garnish

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water with the sugar and let it rest for a few minutes until it starts to bubble.
  2. Add the oil, the salt, and start incorporating the flour little by little, mixing with a wooden spoon or with your hands until a dough forms.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in volume.
  5. Meanwhile, blend the cooked beetroot to make a puree and cut the mozzarella into cubes.
  6. Once risen, roll out the dough on a lightly greased baking tray and form a disk of the desired thickness.
  7. Spread the beet puree on the dough leaving the edges free and add the cut mozzarella.
  8. Season with salt and pepper and bake in a preheated oven at 220 °C for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or arugula before serving.

Fun Facts

Beetroot is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and gives the pizza an earthy flavor and a vibrant red or purplish hue. Furthermore, the use of beetroot in dishes like pizza is a creative way to include more vegetables in the diet. You can also add other ingredients to your liking, such as caramelized onions, walnuts or pumpkin seeds to add texture and flavor.

I remind you that pizza is very versatile, so feel free to adjust the recipe according to your tastes!