Greco Pizza

Embark on a culinary journey to Greece with the Greco pizza—an irresistible Mediterranean delight that brings together the vibrant flavors of feta, Kalamata olives, oregano, and zesty fresh lemon. This grilled-squash pizza showcases the essence of Greek cuisine, enticing your taste buds with a harmonious blend of traditional ingredients. The use of a panini press to grill slices of yellow squash and zucchini imparts a charming charred flavor that complements the pizza’s profile perfectly. However, you can easily adapt this method to an oven or grill-top pan if needed. A symphony of Greek flavors awaits as you indulge in this grilled masterpiece—a culinary creation that beautifully captures the spirit of Greece on a 13-inch pizza.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (13-ounce/370-gram) ball Master Dough, preferably with starter, made with Poolish
• 1 part flour mixed with 1 part semolina, for dusting
• 1 to 2 medium (about 6 ounces/170 grams each) zucchini
• 1 to 2 medium (about 6 ounces/170 grams each) straight-neck yellow squash
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 7 ounces (200 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (1¾ cups)
• 1-ounce (30-gram) piece Feta cheese, preferably water-packed Greek
• 6 pitted Kalamata olives, quartered lengthwise
• 1 large (18 grams) Peppadew pepper, cut into strips
• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for dusting
• Dried oregano, for dusting
• Garlic Oil, for drizzling
• ½ lemon, grilled (see headnote)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Grill the zucchini and yellow squash slices using a panini press, oven, or grill-top pan.
2. Dust the work surface with a flour and semolina mixture, then transfer and open the dough to a 13-inch round.
3. Spread mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving a border.
4. Place the zucchini slices on the pizza, arranging them like the spokes of a wheel, then add yellow squash slices between them.
5. Bake the pizza in the oven.
6. Crumble Feta over the pizza, then scatter olives and Peppadew peppers on top.
7. Finish with a dusting of pecorino and oregano, and drizzle garlic oil over the surface and crust.
8. Squeeze the grilled lemon over the top just before serving.

YIELD:

• One 13-inch pizza; 6 slices

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Grilling the lemon halves helps to tone down their acidity and adds a beautiful appearance to the pizza.

TIPS:

• Use a panini press to grill the squash slices for a unique charred flavor, or opt for an oven or grill-top pan for similar results.

The Greco pizza beckons you to indulge in the irresistible allure of Greek flavors, expertly curated into a delightful 13-inch Mediterranean masterpiece. With each bite, the vibrant taste of feta, the richness of Kalamata olives, the earthiness of oregano, and the zesty freshness of grilled lemon come together to create an unforgettable symphony of taste on your palate. As the panini press delicately grills slices of yellow squash and zucchini, the pizza takes on a unique charm—a beautiful charred appearance that further enhances the overall flavor profile.

Drawing inspiration from the traditional culinary wonders of Greece, this grilled-squash pizza artfully marries the essence of Greek cuisine with the joy of pizza-making. The process of carefully crafting the dough, grilling the squash to perfection, and layering the delectable toppings transforms the pizza into a canvas of culinary delight. The pantheon of flavors harmoniously unfolds in each slice, transporting you to the enchanting streets of Greece with every mouthful.

Whether you opt for the panini press, oven, or grill-top pan to grill the squash slices, the result remains a celebration of Mediterranean goodness that pays homage to the richness of Greek traditions. The velvety, slightly tangy feta, the briny intensity of Kalamata olives, and the aromatic oregano dance in perfect harmony, making each bite an exploration of Greece’s culinary heritage.

As the aroma of the Greco pizza fills your kitchen, you’ll be captivated by the symphony of flavors that await. From the first sight of the beautifully charred squash to the satisfying crunch of the crust, every aspect of this pizza invites you to savor the moment and indulge in the simplicity of Greek cuisine reimagined.

Whether you’re gathering with friends and family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, the Greco pizza promises to be the highlight of any dining experience. Its combination of bold flavors, perfectly grilled squash, and expertly crafted dough ensures that you’ll relish each bite, savoring the memories that each pizza-making adventure brings.

So, venture into the world of Mediterranean cuisine and let the Greco pizza become a mainstay in your culinary repertoire. The joy of pizza-making meets the richness of Greek flavors in this extraordinary creation—a delightful journey that transcends borders and embraces the warmth of Greece on a 13-inch pizza.