Rustic Pizza with Zucchini and Ricotta

Rustic pizza with zucchini and ricotta is a versatile and tasty dish that suits many occasions. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
• 300 gr of zucchini
• 250 gr of well-drained fresh ricotta
• 100 gr of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh aromatic herbs as desired (for example, basil, mint, thyme)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or by buttering and lightly flouring it.

2. Wash the zucchini and cut them into thin slices or half-moons. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic clove to flavor the oil. Remove the garlic as soon as it becomes golden.

3. Add the zucchini to the pan and sauté for about 5-10 minutes until they become soft but still slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.

4. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta with the eggs and grated Parmesan until smooth. Add the chopped aromatic herbs and the cooked zucchini. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Roll out the puff pastry or shortcrust pastry in the tray and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.

6. Pour the ricotta and zucchini filling onto the pastry base and level it with a spoon or spatula.

7. Fold the edges of the pastry inward to create a border that contains the filling.

8. Bake the rustic pizza for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry turns a nice golden color and the filling is set.

9. Remove the rustic pizza from the oven and let it cool before serving. It can be enjoyed both warm and at room temperature.

Fun Fact

Rustic pizza is a typical dish of home-cooked Italian cuisine, often prepared during holidays or as a single dish for a quick and substantial meal. The combination of vegetables and cheese makes it an excellent choice for a picnic or an outdoor buffet.