Pizza Melanzane with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

Ingredients

• 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Grill the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the pizza crust package or recipe.
5. 5.
   Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
6. 6.
   Arrange the grilled eggplant slices evenly over the pizza crust.
7. 7.
   Top with the sliced mozzarella.
8. 8.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven according to the crust instructions, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
10. 10.
    Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — Make sure to slice the eggplant into even rounds to ensure even grilling. If the eggplant slices are too thick, they may take longer to cook.
• Mozzarella — Opt for fresh mozzarella instead of the shredded variety for a creamier texture. If fresh mozzarella is not available, you can use shredded mozzarella as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, brush the pizza crust with garlic-infused olive oil before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different herbs such as oregano or thyme to enhance the pizza's aroma.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve the pizza with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy and sweet touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Pizza Melanzane hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve 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 meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the pizza just before serving. Garnish with a few additional basil leaves for a pop of color.