Beetroot Pizza

Beetroot pizza is a colorful and nutritious variation of the classic pizza. Before proceeding, I must tell you that if you do not have pre-cooked beetroot, you will need to cook it before starting to prepare the pizza. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 250 grams of flour (you can use type 00 or whole wheat flour for a more rustic version)
• 15 grams of fresh yeast or 5 grams of dry yeast
• 150 ml of warm water
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 200 grams of cooked beetroot (you can use it fresh, oven-roasted, or vacuum-packed pre-cooked)
• 150 grams of mozzarella (or a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves or arugula for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water with the sugar and let it rest for a few minutes until it starts to bubble.
2. Add the oil, salt, and begin to incorporate the flour a little at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or with your hands until a dough is formed.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until the volume has doubled.
5. In the meantime, blend the cooked beetroot to make a puree and dice the mozzarella.
6. Once risen, stretch the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet and form a disk of the preferred thickness.
7. Spread the beetroot puree on the dough, leaving the edges free, and add the diced mozzarella.
8. Season with salt and pepper and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges become golden and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or arugula before serving.

Fun Facts

Beetroot is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it gives the pizza an earthy flavor and a vibrant red or purple hue. Moreover, the use of beetroot in dishes like pizza is a creative way to include more vegetables in one’s diet. You can also add other ingredients to your liking, such as caramelized onions, nuts, or pumpkin seeds to add texture and flavor.

I remind you that pizza is very versatile, so feel free to adjust the recipe according to your tastes!