Tired of the same old pizza night? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Broccoli Rabe Pizza recipe is a game-changer, offering a vibrant, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. It’s the perfect blend of bitter greens and savory cheese, all atop a crispy, homemade (or store-bought!) pizza crust. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea that's bursting with fresh, homemade goodness.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pizza Topping:
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough (Skip if using store-bought):
- 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, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Broccoli Rabe:
- While the dough is rising (or if using store-bought), heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add chopped broccoli rabe and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza pan or pizza stone.
- Spread the cooked broccoli rabe evenly over the dough.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and goat cheese (if using).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Creation:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
- Add some cooked sausage, pancetta, or mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- If you don't have fresh broccoli rabe, you can substitute with other greens like kale or spinach. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a thinner crust, roll out the dough more thinly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pizza and the ingredients used. A general estimate for a slice of this broccoli rabe pizza, using homemade dough, could be around 300-400 calories, with a moderate amount of protein and fiber. This healthy meal provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.