Frederic Melton
Greek pizza is a delicious dish with a variety of toppings and a unique blend of flavours. The base is typically made with olive oil and topped with a rich tomato sauce, heavily flavoured with oregano. The cheese used in Greek pizza is a combination of feta and mozzarella. Feta cheese, a Greek favourite, adds a tangy and bold flavour to the pizza, while mozzarella, with its creamy texture, provides the perfect melt. Greek pizza may also include toppings such as Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, spinach, and onions, resulting in a colourful and mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Feta, Mozzarella, Kasseri, Halloumi-Graviera |
| Other Toppings | Spinach, Olives, Oregano, Peppers, Tomatoes, Onions |
| Dough | Yeast, Flour, Salt, Sugar, Olive Oil, Milk |
| Sauce | Tomato Sauce, Olive Oil |
| Other Ingredients | Olive Oil, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Parmesan Cheese, Basil, Garlic |
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What You'll Learn
Feta and Mozzarella
Greek pizza is a delicious dish that combines the flavours of Greece with the universal appeal of pizza. While there are many types of Greek pizza, this answer will focus on the variety that uses feta and mozzarella cheese.
Feta is a Greek curd cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly yet moist and adds a tangy, bold flavour to dishes. Feta does not melt in the same way that other cheeses do, so it is often paired with mozzarella, which has a creamy texture and is more suited to melting.
To make a Greek pizza with feta and mozzarella, you will need to prepare the dough. This can be done by mixing water, yeast, milk, flour, salt, sugar, and olive oil together until a smooth and elastic dough is formed. Once the dough is ready, you can prepare the toppings. In addition to feta and mozzarella, Greek pizza is often topped with Mediterranean flavours such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, spinach, and oregano.
Once you have prepared your dough and toppings, it's time to assemble and bake your pizza. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically around 260°C (500°F). Stretch the dough into your desired shape and size, and then add your toppings. First, spread a layer of tomato sauce or olive oil on the dough, followed by your chosen toppings. Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
Greek pizza with feta and mozzarella is a delicious and unique dish that combines the flavours of Greece with the universal appeal of pizza. By following the steps outlined above, you can create this tasty treat in your own kitchen.
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Kalamata Olives
When using Kalamata olives on a Greek pizza, it is important to prepare them properly. It is recommended to drain, dry, and slice the olives before adding them to the pizza. This ensures that the pizza does not become soggy from the excess liquid in the olives. Additionally, roasting the olives before adding them to the pizza can enhance their flavour and reduce their bitterness.
The combination of Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and other fresh ingredients creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavour profile that is both colourful and delicious. The salty and tangy flavours of the feta pair well with the fruity and briny notes of the Kalamata olives. This Greek pizza is a vegetarian-friendly option that can be easily customised with various toppings, such as roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
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Oregano
The use of oregano in Greek pizza is not limited to the sauce alone. It is also sprinkled on other ingredients before they are added to the pizza. For instance, in one recipe, oregano is sprinkled on roasted vegetables, including red onions and cherry tomatoes, along with salt and extra virgin olive oil, before they are placed on the pizza base. This enhances the flavour of the vegetables and creates a delicious balance with the other ingredients, such as feta cheese, olives, and mozzarella.
When making Greek pizza, it is essential to use high-quality ingredients, and oregano is no exception. Choosing fresh, aromatic oregano can elevate the overall flavour of the pizza. Its unique flavour complements the tanginess of the feta cheese, the sweetness of the onions and tomatoes, and the earthiness of the olives.
In addition to its culinary uses, oregano also offers potential health benefits. It is known for its antioxidant properties and has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, these health benefits are not limited to fresh oregano; dried oregano, which is commonly used in cooking, also retains many of these beneficial properties.
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Spinach
Greek pizza is a flavourful dish that is colourful and Mediterranean-inspired. It is often topped with spinach, a leafy green vegetable that adds a nutritious boost to the pizza. Spinach is a versatile ingredient that can be added to the pizza in a variety of ways to create a delicious and healthy meal.
One popular method is to add raw spinach leaves directly onto the pizza before baking. The heat of the oven will cause the spinach leaves to wilt, creating a tasty and slightly crispy texture. It is important not to overload the pizza with too much spinach, as the leaves release moisture during cooking, which can result in a soggy crust. This can be avoided by sautéing the spinach before adding it to the pizza, ensuring that the excess moisture is removed.
When preparing Greek pizza with spinach, it is common to pair it with other ingredients that complement its flavour and texture. One popular combination is to mix the spinach with onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomato oil before adding it to the pizza. This mixture creates a flavourful base for the other toppings and adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants from the onions and garlic.
Additionally, Greek pizza with spinach often includes other Mediterranean ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers. The salty and tangy feta cheese pairs well with the mild flavour of spinach, and the roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness. Some recipes may also include artichokes, cherry tomatoes, oregano, and black pepper to create a well-rounded and flavourful dish.
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Dough
Greek pizza dough is typically made with flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and olive oil. The dough is mixed and left to rest before being stretched out and baked. Some recipes call for milk or water to be added to the dough, creating a smoother and more elastic consistency.
The dough is prepared by first mixing water with yeast and letting it sit until the yeast is dissolved and starts to bubble. Then, milk (or water) is added, followed by the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and sugar. The dough is then mixed at a low speed until it forms an elastic ball. Olive oil is added during the mixing process to create a soft and slightly sticky texture.
Once the dough is mixed, it is left to rest for a few minutes before being kneaded again briefly. It is then coated with olive oil, covered, and set aside to rise.
When the dough has risen, it is stretched out onto a sheet pan or directly on the counter. It is then baked in the oven for a short time to create a golden brown crust. After baking, the dough is brushed with olive oil and topped with ingredients.
For a crispy and fluffy texture, the dough can be stretched and baked directly on a sheet of parchment paper. This technique ensures that the dough doesn't stick to the pan and helps to achieve an even bake.
The dough for Greek pizza is often described as "no-knead," indicating that it does not require extensive kneading or preparation. This type of dough is simple and quick to make, contributing to the overall ease and speed of preparing Greek pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Greek pizza typically includes feta cheese, which is made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. Feta adds a tangy, bold flavor.
Mozzarella is often used as a base on Greek pizza, as it has a creamy texture and melts well. Other types of cheese used on Greek pizza include kasseri, halloumi, and graviera.
Greek pizza is often topped with onions, tomatoes, peppers, olives, spinach, and oregano.
Greek pizza is typically cooked in the oven at a high temperature, around 500°F or 260°C, until the crust is golden brown.
