Corsican Montanara Pizza

Ingredients

In the Corsican adaptation of the Montanara Pizza, the traditional Italian tomato sauce is replaced with a fragrant blend of Corsican herbs and olive oil. Additionally, the toppings feature local Corsican ingredients such as cured meats like lonzu or coppa, sheep's milk cheese, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. These changes infuse the pizza with the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Corsica. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza montanara, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• Corsican herb blend (rosemary, thyme, oregano) Corsican herb blend (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Olive oil Olive oil
• Lonzu or coppa (Corsican cured meats) Lonzu or coppa (Corsican cured meats)
• Sheep's milk cheese Sheep's milk cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. 3.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into smaller portions. Roll each portion into a round shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
4. 4.
   Heat olive oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Brush the fried dough rounds with olive oil and sprinkle with the Corsican herb blend.
7. 7.
   Top the dough rounds with lonzu or coppa, sheep's milk cheese, and additional herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corsican herb blend — Use a combination of fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an authentic Corsican flavor.
• Lonzu or coppa — If you can't find these Corsican cured meats, you can substitute with prosciutto or pancetta.
• Sheep's milk cheese — Look for Corsican sheep's milk cheese like Brocciu or Tomme de Corse. If unavailable, you can use a mild sheep's milk cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Manchego.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can bake the pizza dough instead of frying it.
• Experiment with different Corsican cheeses for unique flavor combinations.
• Serve the Corsican Montanara Pizza with a drizzle of Corsican honey for a touch of sweetness.
• Add some sliced Corsican olives for an extra burst of flavor.
• Pair the pizza with a glass of Corsican red wine for a truly authentic experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Corsican Montanara Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delightful appetizer for sharing.

Presentation advice

Present the Corsican Montanara Pizza on a wooden board or a rustic platter. Garnish it with fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme for an appealing visual touch.