Ionian Islands Style Homemade Pizza

Ingredients

This Ionian Islands adaptation of the traditional Italian pizza incorporates local ingredients and flavors. The original Italian pizza typically features mozzarella cheese and Italian herbs, while this Ionian Islands version highlights feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The use of fresh oregano adds a distinct herbaceous note, enhancing the Mediterranean essence of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza alla casalinga, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried basil 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried thyme
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced Kalamata olives 1/2 cup (75g) sliced Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh oregano leaves, for garnish Fresh oregano leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
4. 4.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out into a thin circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the sauce.
7. 7.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. 8.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh oregano leaves. Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, choose a softer feta cheese. If you prefer a stronger flavor, opt for aged feta.
• Kalamata olives — Rinse the olives before slicing to remove excess brine and reduce saltiness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping to remove excess oil.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the dough on it.
• Experiment with different Mediterranean toppings such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or capers.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.
• Serve the pizza with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
• Leftover pizza can be enjoyed cold or reheated in a preheated oven for a few minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Ionian Islands Style Homemade Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh oregano leaves over the pizza before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish. Serve the pizza on a wooden board or a pizza stone to create a rustic and inviting presentation.