Are you ready to elevate your pizza night to a whole new level? Say goodbye to ordinary toppings and hello to a vibrant, flavorful twist with Turnip Green Pesto Pizza! This delightful Italian dish combines the earthy goodness of turnip greens with the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan and pine nuts, creating a pesto that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Dive into the world of gourmet pizza-making and discover how easy it is to impress your loved ones with this unique and mouthwatering creation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 cups turnip greens, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare the turnip green pesto by combining chopped turnip greens, garlic cloves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, consistent green paste.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. Gently stretch or roll each portion into a 12-inch round pizza base, being careful not to tear the dough.
- Transfer the pizza dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
- Spread an even layer of the turnip green pesto across each pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top of the pesto for extra flavor.
- Carefully slide the pizzas into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the crust to set.
- Slice each pizza into 6-8 wedges and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the turnip green pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the pizza!
- Dough Matters: For the best crust, consider using high-quality pizza dough. You can either make your own or buy fresh dough from a local pizzeria.
- Crispy Crust: If you have a pizza stone, use it! Preheating the stone in the oven will help achieve a perfectly crispy crust that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza! Add some sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the pizzas rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier without losing all the toppings.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Turnip Green Pesto Pizza with a light salad or a glass of your favorite Italian wine to enhance the dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
