Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick to make? Then look no further! This pizza with asparagus recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic blend of fresh, spring-like flavors and the comforting goodness of homemade pizza. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
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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 Pizza Topping:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- 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.
- Add olive oil to the dough and continue kneading for another minute.
- 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.
Preparing the Asparagus:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss asparagus spears with 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting the asparagus beforehand intensifies its flavor, making it the perfect pizza topping!
- Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Top with roasted asparagus and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
This delicious pizza is best served immediately. A simple side salad adds a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the pizza. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust: Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would make fantastic additions to this pizza.
- Get creative with cheese: Try using a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce for a touch of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 15-20g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy and healthy pizza recipe is a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cooking without the fuss! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!