Tired of the same old pizza night routine? Craving something unique and delicious that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then get ready to be amazed by this Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza! This recipe blends the sweetness of ripe blackberries with the fragrant basil and creamy ricotta for a flavor explosion that will redefine your pizza experience. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – quick, healthy, and utterly irresistible. This easy recipe is ideal for a quick dinner or a fun weekend project, making it one of the best recipes you'll try all year.
Ingredients:
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For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For the Topping:
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preparing the Topping
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Pizza
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Arrange the blackberries and basil leaves over the ricotta. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 4: Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This delicious pizza is best enjoyed warm, but it's equally satisfying at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
- Add a sprinkle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil (use about 1 tablespoon).
- This recipe works well with gluten-free pizza dough for those with dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fat: 15-20g
This Blackberry Basil Ricotta Pizza is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to prepare. It's a great option for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Give this recipe a try and elevate your pizza night to a whole new level!