Forget everything you think you know about pizza. This isn't your average delivery pie; this is a New Haven-style pizza, a delicious and surprisingly easy recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. This recipe elevates the classic with a creamy ricotta and spinach topping, transforming a simple pizza into a truly memorable meal. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough: (You can use store-bought dough for a quicker option)
- 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
For the Ricotta and Spinach Topping:
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Pizza Sauce: (Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite pizza sauce
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: 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 Ricotta and Spinach Topping:
- Sauté Spinach: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it in half (for two pizzas). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a 12-inch circle.
- Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border. Spread the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serving and Enjoying your Delicious Creation:
Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. This easy recipe creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of this New Haven-style pizza with its creamy ricotta and spinach topping!
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust: Use a pizza stone and preheat it thoroughly.
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the ricotta mixture adds a nice kick.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the topping.
- Meat Lovers Option: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or pepperoni to create a meat lovers pizza.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories (depending on the ingredients used)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This New Haven-style pizza recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying and delicious meal. The combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful spinach, and the perfectly baked crust makes this recipe a true winner! Enjoy!