Maldivian Spinach and Ricotta Pizza

Ingredients

In this Maldivian adaptation of the Italian dish, the traditional pizza crust is used as a base, but the toppings are modified to suit the Maldivian cuisine. The original dish typically uses mozzarella cheese, but in this version, creamy ricotta cheese is used for a richer flavor. Additionally, spinach is added to bring a fresh and vibrant element to the pizza. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza ricotta e spinaci, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza crust 1 pizza crust
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, chopped 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
5. 5.
   Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the pizza crust.
6. 6.
   Top the ricotta cheese with the sautéed spinach and onion mixture.
7. 7.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before chopping them. Remove any tough stems or discolored leaves.
• Ricotta cheese — If the ricotta cheese is too watery, drain it using a fine-mesh sieve before using it as a topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the pizza before baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or grated Parmesan, to add a unique twist to the pizza.
• Add some sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for additional color and flavor.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Serve the pizza with a side of tangy tomato chutney or a refreshing cucumber and mint raita.

Serving advice

Serve the Maldivian Spinach and Ricotta Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for a gathering with friends and family.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, such as basil or parsley, before serving. The vibrant green spinach and creamy ricotta cheese will make the pizza visually appealing.