Croatian-style Pizza Valdostana

Ingredients

In this Croatian adaptation of Pizza Valdostana, we incorporate local Croatian ingredients to add a unique twist to the traditional Italian dish. We replace the Italian prosciutto with Slavonian kulen, a spicy cured sausage, and use Pag cheese, a Croatian sheep's milk cheese, instead of Italian fontina cheese. These changes infuse the pizza with Croatian flavors, making it a delightful fusion of cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Valdostana, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 4 slices of Slavonian kulen (spicy cured sausage) 4 slices of Slavonian kulen (spicy cured sausage)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Pag cheese (sheep's milk cheese) 1 cup (100g) shredded Pag cheese (sheep's milk cheese)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• 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 rolled-out 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.
   Arrange the slices of Slavonian kulen on top of the sauce.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the shredded Pag cheese and mozzarella cheese over the kulen.
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 bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Slavonian kulen — Slice the kulen thinly for even distribution of flavor and texture throughout the pizza.
• Pag cheese — Use a grater to shred the Pag cheese, ensuring it melts evenly and adds a deliciously tangy taste to the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, grill the Slavonian kulen slices for a few minutes before adding them to the pizza.
• Experiment with different Croatian cheeses, such as Istrian cheese or Dalmatian cheese, for a unique twist.
• Add some sliced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor and color.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
• Serve the pizza with a side of ajvar, a traditional Croatian roasted red pepper spread, for an authentic Croatian experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Pizza Valdostana hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for gatherings and parties.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves and drizzle it with a swirl of olive oil just before serving. The vibrant green basil and the glossy olive oil will add a touch of elegance to the dish.