Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that defies traditional pizza expectations! This Broccolini Mandarin Orange Pizza is not just another pizza recipe – it's a gourmet masterpiece that combines the vibrant crunch of fresh broccolini, the sweet burst of mandarin oranges, and the creamy richness of two incredible cheeses. Imagine a pizza that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience, challenging everything you thought you knew about pizza toppings!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup broccolini, blanched
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Blanch the broccolini by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the broccolini for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, approximately 12-14 inches in diameter.
- Brush the pizza dough with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. This will help create a golden, crispy crust.
- Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Distribute the blanched broccolini pieces across the cheese layer, arranging them in an attractive pattern.
- Add mandarin orange segments strategically over the broccolini, ensuring even distribution.
- Dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese around the pizza for added creaminess.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven, either on a pizza stone or a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: Drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before serving for added flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F for that perfect crispy crust. A pizza stone can elevate your crust game to restaurant-quality levels.
- Blanching Technique: When blanching broccolini, time is crucial. Those 2-3 minutes make all the difference between crisp-tender and mushy vegetables.
- Moisture Management: Pat your broccolini and mandarin oranges dry to prevent a soggy pizza base. Extra moisture can ruin an otherwise perfect pizza.
- Cheese Distribution: Create layers of flavor by spreading mozzarella first, then strategically placing ricotta dollops for unexpected creamy bites.
- Olive Oil Magic: A light brush of olive oil before baking adds golden color and enhances the overall flavor profile of your pizza.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set and makes slicing much easier. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving to elevate the entire dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 585kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
