Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sardinia, the beautiful Italian island known for its exquisite sheep’s milk cheeses. This pizza pays homage to the region’s famous pecorinos, combining young, soft Sardinian pecorino with mozzarella for a creamy melting experience. To enhance the taste further, two harder cheeses, Fiore Sardo and aged Pecorino Sardo, are shaved on top, adding depth and richness. Sardinian pecorinos, milder and less salty than Pecorino Romano, are the ideal choice for creating a perfect pizza. With a nod to the island’s cheese-making heritage, this pizza is a true delight for cheese enthusiasts and anyone seeking an authentic taste of Sardinia.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (13-ounce/370-gram) ball Master Dough, preferably with starter, made with poolish
- 4 parts flour mixed with 1 part semolina, for dusting
- 4 ounces (115 grams) whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)
- 3 ounces (85 grams) young Sardinian pecorino cheese, shredded (¾ cup)
- Small piece Fiore Sardo, cold, for shaving
- Small piece aged Pecorino Sardo, cold, for shaving
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
PREPARATIONS:
- Remove the dough ball from the refrigerator and leave wrapped at room temperature until the dough warms to 60°F to 65°F.
- Set up the oven with two pizza stones or baking steels and preheat to 500°F for 1 hour.
- Dust the work surface with the dusting mixture, then move the dough to the surface and dust the top.
- Sprinkle a wooden peel with the dusting mixture.
- Roll out the dough into a round 14 to 15 inches in diameter and trim it to a 13-inch round. Brush the surface of the dough with oil, flatten the edge, and dock the surface.
- Transfer the dough to the peel.
- Mound the mozzarella in the center of the dough and spread it evenly over the surface, leaving a ¾-inch border.
- Spread the young pecorino in the same manner over the mozzarella.
- Slide the pizza onto the top stone and bake for 4 minutes. Lift the pizza onto the peel, rotate it 180 degrees, and transfer it to the bottom stone. Bake for 2½ minutes, rotate it again 180 degrees, and bake for a final 2½ minutes, until the bottom is browned and crisp, and the top is golden brown.
- Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and cut into 6 wedges.
- Finish the pizza with shavings of Fiore Sardo and aged Pecorino Sardo. Drizzle with olive oil.
YIELD:
- One 13-inch Sardinia pizza; approximately 6 slices.
TIPS:
- For a more pronounced flavor, use aged pecorino varieties that have been carefully aged for an extended period.
The Sardinia pizza is an ode to the exquisite sheep’s milk cheeses that have made Sardinia renowned in the culinary world. This delightful creation artfully combines the creamy richness of young Sardinian pecorino with the melting goodness of mozzarella. For cheese enthusiasts and those seeking a true taste of Sardinia, this pizza is an exceptional treat.
Sardinian pecorinos, known for their milder and less salty taste compared to Pecorino Romano, beautifully complement the mozzarella, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The combination of the young pecorino and mozzarella forms a luscious base, making each bite a delight for the palate.
To elevate the taste experience further, two distinct Sardinian cheeses, Fiore Sardo and aged Pecorino Sardo, are shaved on top. Fiore Sardo, with its unique smoky and nutty profile, adds a layer of depth, while the aged Pecorino Sardo brings a delightful complexity that satisfies the senses.
With each bite of the Sardinia pizza, you’ll be transported to the picturesque island, where the art of cheese-making is steeped in tradition. This pizza is a culinary journey, providing an authentic taste of Sardinia’s cheese-making heritage.
The finishing touch of drizzled extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors, infusing the pizza with a Mediterranean essence. The aroma and taste of the olive oil complement the cheese perfectly, making the Sardinia pizza a true masterpiece.
For a more pronounced flavor, consider using aged pecorino varieties that have been carefully aged to perfection. These aged cheeses offer a more intense taste, adding complexity and character to the pizza.
Embrace the rich flavors of Sardinia with each slice of this exceptional pizza. Share the joy of this culinary treasure with family and friends, celebrating the artistry of cheese-making and the beauty of Sardinia’s gastronomic heritage. The Sardinia pizza is a delightful journey through the flavors of the island, a perfect addition to any pizza aficionado’s repertoire
