Homemade Mediterranean Delight Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (300g / 10.5oz) 1 pizza dough (300g / 10.5oz)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green olives
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced artichoke hearts 1/4 cup (30g) sliced artichoke hearts
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced mushrooms 1/4 cup (30g) sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup (30g) cooked ham, diced 1/4 cup (30g) cooked ham, diced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Arrange the sliced black olives, green olives, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and diced ham on top of the cheese.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Drizzle a little olive oil over the toppings.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. 11.
    Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Artichoke hearts — If using canned artichoke hearts, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Mushrooms — For a deeper flavor, sauté the sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil before adding them to the pizza.
• Tomato sauce — To enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce, add a pinch of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano, to add unique flavors to your pizza.
• Feel free to customize the toppings by adding other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve this homemade Mediterranean delight pizza hot and fresh from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as an appetizer during gatherings. Pair it with a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves. The vibrant colors of the toppings will make the pizza visually appealing and inviting.