Nettle Pizza

Elevate your pizza-making prowess with the exquisite Nettle and Cheese Pizza, a culinary masterpiece that marries the earthy flavors of fresh nettles with the creamy richness of mozzarella and fontina cheeses. This extraordinary pizza creation is a testament to the artistry of breadmaking and the harmonious symphony of ingredients. Crafted using the renowned Basic Country Bread dough as its foundation, this recipe showcases the unique character of nettles, imparting a delightful complexity to each bite. As you embark on the journey of creating Nettle and Cheese Pizza, be prepared to experience the magic of transforming simple components into a savory delight that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.

INGREDIENTS:

• 400 grams of Basic Country Bread dough
• Cornmeal for dusting
• All-purpose flour for dusting
• 6 cups fresh nettle leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 ounces fontina cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

PREPARATIONS:

1. Divide the dough as directed in step 6 on page 56, ensuring one piece weighs 400 grams.
2. Shape each piece and allow one round to rest on the work surface for 30 minutes.
3. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and remove other racks. Place the baking stone on the rack. Preheat the oven to its highest setting (about 500°F) for approximately 15 minutes to thoroughly heat the stone.
4. Dust a pizza peel with cornmeal.
5. Dust the dough round with flour and transfer it to the peel, placing it flour-side down.
6. Press the dough around 1/2 inch from the edge to create a rim. Stretch the dough using the back of your hand, rotating it to achieve even stretching.
7. For the topping, use tongs to handle nettles. Toss the nettles with cream, red pepper flakes, and salt in a bowl.
8. Distribute mozzarella and fontina cheeses across the dough, then mound the prepared nettles on top.
9. Shake the peel to loosen the dough. If stuck, use a spatula to lift it and add more cornmeal under the dough.
10. Slide the pizza onto the baking stone in the preheated oven.
11. Bake the pizza for 4 to 8 minutes, checking for char marks on the bottom of the crust to indicate thorough baking.
12. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven using the peel, and place it on a cutting board. Cut into wedges and serve.

YIELD:

• Makes 1 pizza

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Use caution when handling nettles to avoid stings; tongs are recommended.

TIPS:

• Customize the thickness of the pizza crust based on personal preference.
• Experiment with the amount of nettles to achieve the desired flavor profile.
• Ensure the pizza slides easily on the peel by using an ample amount of cornmeal.

The Nettle and Cheese Pizza beckons all who seek culinary delight to embark on a flavor-infused journey. Rooted in the heart of traditional breadmaking and elevated by the inclusion of fresh nettles, this pizza stands as a testament to the art of experimentation and innovation in the kitchen.

Crafted with the renowned Basic Country Bread dough, the Nettle and Cheese Pizza invites you to embrace the intricate dance of textures and flavors. From the initial shaping of the dough to the careful selection and preparation of the nettles, each step is a testament to the dedication and passion that go into creating a masterpiece.

The use of cornmeal on the peel not only prevents sticking but also ensures a smooth transfer of the pizza onto the baking stone. As the pizza bakes, the aroma of toasted pumpkin seeds and the essence of rosemary infuse the air, creating a sensory symphony that signals the creation of something truly exceptional.

The topping, a harmonious blend of fresh nettles, creamy fontina, and mozzarella cheeses, along with a touch of red pepper flakes and salt, transforms the pizza into a flavorful masterpiece. The addition of nettles, though unconventional, imparts a unique and unforgettable character, while the cheeses provide a rich and creamy contrast.

As you indulge in a slice of Nettle and Cheese Pizza, you’re met with a medley of textures and tastes that reflect the artistry of breadmaking and the culinary journey it encompasses. The slight char on the crust, the custard-like texture of the nettles, and the creamy decadence of the cheeses come together in perfect harmony.

In a world of culinary possibilities, the Nettle and Cheese Pizza stands as a testament to the beauty of pushing boundaries and exploring flavors. Whether enjoyed as a centerpiece of a gathering or savored as a moment of personal indulgence, this pizza is an invitation to celebrate the creativity and joy that can be found in the kitchen.

With each bite, the Nettle and Cheese Pizza tells a story of craftsmanship, passion, and a deep love for the art of breadmaking. It reflects the essence of culinary artistry and the magic that occurs when simple ingredients are combined in creative ways. It is a culinary experience that lingers in memory, inspiring future creations and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the kitchen