Bienvenue to the heart of Paris, where culinary artistry and innovation thrive. Amidst my journey as a pizza judge at a major competition in the City of Love, I encountered a plethora of extravagant creations, some too complex for my taste. However, among the opulent offerings, a gem emerged—the delightful combination of truffles, wild mushrooms, and two beloved French cheeses: the nutty Comté and creamy Saint André. Inspired by this exquisite experience, I crafted the Parisian pizza, capturing the essence of simple, earthy luxury. As the pizza embraces the oven’s warmth, the rich aroma of truffle paste, earthy mushrooms, and melted cheeses fills the air, evoking a sense of indulgence. The Parisian pizza, with its fusion of exquisite flavors, pays homage to the timeless charm of French cuisine while celebrating the art of pizza-making.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (13-ounce/370-gram) ball Master Dough, preferably with starter, made with Poolish
- Flour, for dusting
- 8 ounces (225 grams) assorted mushrooms (such as pioppini, oyster, shiitake, and trumpet)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 ounces (140 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (1¼ cups)
- 1½ teaspoons (6 grams) truffle paste, or 1 fresh truffle (to taste)
- 1½ ounces (45 grams) Saint André cheese
- Small piece Comté cheese, cold, for shaving
- Handful of arugula leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Maldon sea salt, for finishing
PREPARATIONS:
- Prepare the mushrooms by cleaning and trimming them, ensuring even cooking times.
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the larger mushroom pieces for 1 minute, then add the remaining mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until softened but not browned.
- Shape the dough, top it with mozzarella and sautéed mushrooms, and bake.
- Garnish with truffle paste or fresh truffle, Saint André, Comté shavings, arugula, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, pepper, and Maldon salt.
YIELD:
- One 13-inch pizza, approximately 6 slices.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- If using a fresh truffle, shave it on top of the pizza right before serving for an elevated experience.
TIPS:
- Experiment with a variety of wild mushrooms for a nuanced flavor profile.
- Pair the fully baked pizza with paper-thin slices of prosciutto or speck for added indulgence.
As the sun sets over the romantic city of Paris, the aroma of the Parisian pizza permeates the air, tantalizing every passerby with its captivating blend of earthy flavors. Having traversed the world of pizza, my journey brought me to the heart of France, where culinary artistry reigns supreme. Amidst a grand pizza competition, I discovered a symphony of tastes—the Parisian pizza, a harmonious fusion of truffle paste, wild mushrooms, and two beloved French cheeses: the nutty Comté and creamy Saint André.
The Parisian pizza is an elegant ode to the simplicity of French luxury—a marriage of ingredients that exudes sophistication without overwhelming the palate. Upon its arrival in the oven, the pizza transforms into a canvas of flavors, with the mozzarella melting into creamy goodness and the sautéed mushrooms releasing their earthy charm. The combination of textures and tastes creates a divine balance that is both refined and comforting.
The heart of this exquisite creation lies in the luxurious truffle paste, imparting its aromatic allure to every bite. For those fortunate enough to savor the Parisian pizza with a fresh truffle, the experience becomes truly exceptional, as the delicate truffle shavings embrace the palate like a whisper of indulgence.
As the pizza emerges from the oven, ready to be adorned, it calls for the final touch—a symphony of flavors that elevates it to a culinary masterpiece. With dollops of truffle paste, pinches of Saint André, and shavings of Comté, each slice becomes a masterpiece, resonating with the timeless charm of French cuisine.
A handful of fresh arugula leaves adds a burst of freshness, contrasting with the richness of the cheeses and mushrooms. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt complete this delightful symphony, adding a final flourish to the Parisian pizza.
As the sun sets on a day in Paris, gather your loved ones around the table and delight in the Parisian pizza’s splendor. The joy of simple, earthy luxury will fill your hearts, connecting you to the essence of French culinary tradition and the universal love for pizza. Celebrate the art of pizza-making with this exquisite creation, embracing the rich heritage of France while creating cherished memories in the heart of your own home.
