Hey everyone, Emelie here! Get ready to unleash your inner pizza lover with my latest recipe, the Bountiful Harvest Pizza. Trust me, this pizza is a game-changer that will make you fall head over heels for the flavors of summer. Bursting with the vibrant and fresh goodness of seasonal vegetables, this scrumptious pizza is a celebration of everything we love about this time of year. From the first bite to the last, you’ll be transported to a summer paradise of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and a symphony of mouthwatering flavors!
Emelie is a passionate food enthusiast with a natural talent for creating delicious and nutritious recipes. Growing up in a close-knit farming community, she developed a deep appreciation for fresh and seasonal ingredients. After years of experimenting in her kitchen and sharing her culinary adventures on her blog, Emelie has become a trusted source of inspiration for home cooks looking to bring excitement to their meals. When she’s not cooking up a storm, you can find Emelie tending to her organic garden and exploring local farmers markets for unique ingredients.
Emelie Hoffman currently resides in the United States and grew up in Sweden.
Born and raised in Sweden, my deep appreciation for fresh and seasonal ingredients is deeply ingrained in my culinary DNA. I hail from a close-knit farming community where we have a strong bond with the land and the bounty it provides. Growing up, my family and I would spend hours tending to our organic garden, harvesting the most flavorful vegetables and herbs. That connection to nature and the joy of cooking with seasonal produce has shaped my cooking philosophy and influences every recipe I create. So, when it comes to a recipe like the Bountiful Harvest Pizza, using fresh, local, and in-season vegetables is a must for me.
Now, let me take you on a journey to the origins of this delectable pizza. While pizza itself is synonymous with Italy, this particular recipe was inspired by the vibrant summer farmers markets that dot the Mediterranean coastline. Picture this: old cobblestone streets lined with vendors selling their colorful harvest. It was during one of my trips to the picturesque village of Positano, nestled along the Amalfi Coast, that I stumbled upon a small pizzeria tucked away in a quiet alley. There, I experienced a slice of heaven with a pizza bursting with farm-fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Captivated by the explosion of flavors, I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen, putting my own twist on this summertime delight.
What you need
Get ready to embrace the bountiful flavors of summer with my scrumptious Bountiful Harvest Pizza! This delightful pizza recipe is a celebration of vibrant and fresh summer vegetables that will tantalize your taste buds. Picture this: a crispy and chewy pizza crust topped with a layer of olive oil and minced garlic, followed by a generous blanket of melty mozzarella cheese. But we’re not stopping there! We then layer on thinly sliced zucchini, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fragrant fresh basil. All of this goodness is baked to perfection in a blisteringly hot oven, resulting in a golden crust and ooey-gooey cheesy goodness. The anticipation builds as you slice into the pizza, revealing the colorful medley of flavors that await you. Each bite is a symphony of summer, with the zucchini providing a satisfying crunch, the cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and the basil infusing everything with its incredible aroma. So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a pizza-making adventure that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough – The foundation of the pizza, the dough provides a chewy and crispy base. You can use store-bought dough or make your own using your favorite recipe.
- Olive oil – Used to brush the pizza crust and add a rich flavor to the pizza. You can substitute it with other cooking oils if desired.
- Garlic – Adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the pizza. If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount or omit it completely.
- Mozzarella cheese – Provides a creamy and melty texture to the pizza. If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses.
- Zucchini – Brings a fresh and crunchy element to the pizza. You can also use yellow squash as a substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant.
- Cherry tomatoes – Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to the pizza. You can use regular tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are not available.
- Fresh basil – Infuses the pizza with a fragrant and herbaceous flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil as a substitute.
- Salt – Enhances the overall taste of the pizza. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Black pepper – Adds a subtle hint of spiciness to the pizza. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Utensils:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – Required. A pizza stone or baking sheet is necessary to bake the pizza. If you don’t have a stone, you can use a baking sheet as an alternative.
- Pizza peel or cutting board – Optional. A pizza peel is helpful for transferring the pizza to and from the oven, but you can also use a cutting board or the backside of a baking sheet.
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife – Required. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife is needed to slice the pizza into pieces for serving.
- Mixing bowl – Required. A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the ingredients and making the pizza dough, if you decide to make it from scratch.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Optional. Measuring cups and spoons are useful for accurately measuring the ingredients, but you can also estimate the quantities if you’re comfortable doing so.
- Rolling pin – Optional. A rolling pin is helpful for rolling out the pizza dough, but you can also use your hands to stretch and shape the dough.
- Brush – Required. A brush is needed for brushing olive oil onto the pizza dough and enhancing the flavor.
Zucchini: A Versatile and Nutrient-Rich Veggie
Ah, zucchini, the unsung hero of the vegetable world. Not only does it bring a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to this Bountiful Harvest Pizza, but it also offers a plethora of nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, zucchini is a healthy addition to any dish. And did you know that zucchini is 95% water? It’s a great hydrating vegetable, making it perfect for hot summer days. Some people might overlook zucchini because they think it’s bland or boring, but when paired with the right ingredients and cooked to perfection, it becomes a star of the show, just like in this pizza recipe!
Fresh Basil: The Fragrant Herb of Summer
Let’s talk about fresh basil, shall we? Its vibrant green color and irresistible aroma can instantly transport you to the Italian countryside. In this Bountiful Harvest Pizza recipe, fresh basil adds a burst of herbal freshness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Not only does basil make your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria, but it also comes with health benefits. Basil is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may even help improve digestion. Plus, who can resist that distinct peppery-sweet flavor? While dried basil can be a convenient substitute, nothing beats the taste and aroma of fresh basil. So grab a handful from your herb garden or local market and let it elevate your pizza to new heights!
What to serve it with?
When it comes to serving options for my Bountiful Harvest Pizza, I always lean towards a fresh and crisp salad on the side. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the contrast between the warm, cheesy pizza and the cool, crunchy greens. I personally love tossing together a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures elevates the pizza experience to a whole new level. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate even more fresh produce into the meal, adding an extra dose of nutrients and color to the plate. So, next time you indulge in a slice (or two) of my Bountiful Harvest Pizza, don’t forget to grab a fork and enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors when paired with a delightful salad.
Summary
And there you have it, my dear fellow food lovers! The recipe for my Bountiful Harvest Pizza, a tantalizing ode to the flavors of summer. I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this pizza and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the bountiful harvest of the season. Now, it’s your turn! I want to hear all about your experience with this recipe. Did you add any personal touches or substitutions? How did you enjoy the medley of flavors from the vibrant summer vegetables? Share your thoughts, tips, and stories in the comments below. Let’s connect over a shared love for delicious food and inspire each other to create memorable meals. Remember, cooking is an art, and with each recipe, we have the opportunity to make it uniquely ours. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this Bountiful Harvest Pizza our own masterpiece in the kitchen. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Here’s the recipe:
Bountiful Harvest Pizza: Scrumptious Summer Vegetable Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza peel or cutting board
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Brush
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 8 ounces, shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium, thinly sliced Zucchini
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat your Ooni oven, or any other pizza oven, to its highest temperature. For best results, aim for a temperature of around 500°F (260°C).
- Prepare the pizza dough - If using store-bought dough, remove it from the packaging and let it come to room temperature. If making your own dough, follow your favorite recipe and allow it to rise according to the instructions.
- Prepare the vegetables - Thinly slice the zucchini and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- Stretch and shape the dough - On a lightly floured surface, take the pizza dough and gently stretch and shape it into your desired pizza shape. If you prefer a round shape, use your hands or a rolling pin to achieve the desired thickness.
- Assemble the pizza - Place the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or a floured cutting board. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the dough. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Transfer and bake the pizza - Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy - Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into pieces using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Bountiful Harvest Pizza!
