In a world of culinary delights, pizza stands out as a universal favorite. Whether it’s the classic Margherita, the loaded Supreme, or an innovative gourmet rendition, a good pizza never fails to impress. But have you ever thought of marrying the sweet crispness of pear with the creamy depth of Gorgonzola on a pizza crust? Topped with fresh arugula and prosciutto, this is a pizza recipe that will redefine your concept of this classic dish. Today, you will embark on a journey to create this delicate yet flavourful Pear and Gorgonzola pizza with Arugula that will surely elevate your regular pizza night.
Preparing the Dough
Let’s start with the foundation of your pizza – the dough. A good pizza begins with excellent dough. The great thing about pizza dough is that it only requires a few simple ingredients: flour, yeast, water, salt, and oil.
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To make the dough, combine the flour with salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix warm water with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour, mixing it until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Once done, rub it with a little oil, place it back in the bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This process will provide your crust with the perfect texture – crispy on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside.
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Crafting the Pear and Gorgonzola Topping
While your dough is rising, you can start to prepare the topping. The key to this pizza is the balance between the sweetness of the pear and the tangy, creaminess of the Gorgonzola cheese.
For the pears, choose ripe but firm ones. Slice them thinly and toss with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
For the next component, Gorgonzola. This cheese is what makes this pizza special. It’s a type of blue cheese that is creamy with a distinct, sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the pear.
Simply crumble the Gorgonzola and set it aside. With the pear and Gorgonzola prepared, you’re ready to assemble your pizza.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza
Preheat your oven to the highest setting. Meanwhile, roll out your dough on a floured surface. Aim for a thin, even layer for the perfect crust. Transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Now comes the fun part – assembling your pizza. First, drizzle a bit of olive oil over your pizza dough, then arrange the pear slices evenly. Next, sprinkle the crumbled Gorgonzola all over.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
Adding the Prosciutto and Arugula
Once your pizza is out of the oven, it’s time to add the finishing touches. While the pizza is still hot, lay thin slices of prosciutto over the top. The heat from the pizza will gently cook the prosciutto, enhancing its savoury flavour.
Lastly, top the pizza with a handful of fresh, peppery arugula. The crisp freshness of the arugula provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the pears. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil over the top.
Serving the Pizza
Now that your Pear and Gorgonzola pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto is ready, it’s time to dig in. But wait, don’t forget the final touch – a light and refreshing salad on the side.
Choose a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance out the richness of the pizza. A classic green salad with a lemony dressing or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad would be a perfect choice.
So, there you have it. A pizza experience like no other awaits you. It’s a symphony of flavors – sweet, tangy, salty, and peppery – all in one bite. It’s not just a pizza; it’s a gourmet delight that will surely win hearts at your dinner table. And the best part is, you crafted it.
Additional Topping Ideas & Modifications
The beauty of homemade pizza lies in its versatility. You’re not confined to the conventional pizza toppings, and you can experiment with different ingredients. This Pear and Gorgonzola pizza is quite versatile and can be adjusted according to your own preferences.
If you’re not a fan of Gorgonzola cheese, you can substitute it with blue cheese or even goat cheese. Both options will provide a tangy and creamy note to your pizza.
For the fruit component, pears work beautifully due to their sweetness and crisp texture. However, you can replace them with thinly sliced apples or figs for a different twist.
You can also add an extra punch of flavor by incorporating caramelized onions or toasted walnuts. The sweet caramelized onions would complement the Gorgonzola and pear perfectly, while the toasted walnuts would add a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the prosciutto. You could add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat, or perhaps some fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness.
The possibilities are endless, and you can create a variety of delicious versions of this pizza based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Conclusion
Pizza night at home will never be the same after you’ve tried this Pear and Gorgonzola pizza with Arugula. This recipe combines the creaminess of blue cheese with the sweet crispness of ripe pears, topped with fresh arugula and prosciutto to create a pizza that is rich, balanced, and full of flavor.
What makes this editor’s favorite even better is that it caters to both the time-conscious cook (with a total time of minutes) and those who are conscious of their calorie intake (with relatively low mins calories). Whether you’re looking for fast, minute recipes or lower-calorie recipes, this pizza is a game-changer.
Ultimately, this pizza is not just about eating. It’s about enjoying the process of crafting a gourmet meal at home, experimenting with unconventional toppings, and sharing the result with loved ones. So preheat that pizza oven and get ready to embark on a fun culinary journey with this unique Pear and Gorgonzola pizza recipe. It’s a testament to the fact that when it comes to pizza, the sky is the limit. And it all starts with a simple pizza dough. Happy cooking!
