Pizza Mari e Monti Recipe

From my own personal experience, nothing beats the combination of flavors in a Pizza Mari e Monti. This delightful Italian dish combines the earthy taste of mushrooms (funghi) with the briny sweetness of shrimp (gamberetti), all layered atop a classic pizza crust with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella. The name “Mari e Monti” perfectly captures the essence of the dish sea and mountains brought together in perfect harmony. Let me show you how I make this mouthwatering pizza step by step.

Notes on What to Expect When Making Pizza Mari e Monti

1. Dough Rising
   • Expect the dough to double in size during the resting period if the yeast is active. The dough will feel soft, slightly sticky, and pliable. If it doesn’t rise well, your water may have been too hot or too cold, or your yeast might be inactive.
2. Handling the Toppings
   • The sautéed mushrooms will release a lovely earthy aroma, and their slight browning will add depth to the pizza. Ensure they’re dry before adding them to avoid sogginess.
   • The shrimp will add a briny sweetness; pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the crust wet.
3. Assembling the Pizza
   • Spreading the pomodoro sauce evenly is key to preventing dry or overly saucy spots.
   • Don’t overload the pizza with toppings; too much can make it heavy and prevent the crust from crisping up properly.
4. Baking
   • The crust will puff up and become golden brown, while the mozzarella will melt beautifully and form bubbly pockets. Keep an eye on it in the oven to avoid burning the crust edges.
5.  Flavor Profile
   • The finished pizza will have a perfect balance of tanginess from the tomato sauce, creamy richness from the cheese, umami from the mushrooms, and subtle sweetness from the shrimp.
   • The crust will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it easy to slice and enjoy.
6. Clean-Up Expectation
   • A bit of flour might end up on your countertop during dough rolling, but it’s manageable. Using parchment paper or a pizza peel can make transferring the pizza to the oven easier.
7. Presentation
   • When garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil, your pizza will look just as delightful as it tastes perfect for serving to guests or enjoying yourself.

Enjoy the process of bringing together the sea (mare) and the mountains (monti) into one irresistible pizza.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand (Resting Dough): 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate (Beginner-friendly with guidance)
• Servings: 2 (12-inch pizzas)
• Calories per Serving: ~720 kcal
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate (~$15–$20)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Pizza stone or baking tray
• Oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Pastry brush
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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup (120ml) pomodoro sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100g) sliced mushrooms (funghi, any variety like button or cremini)
• 1 cup (150g) cooked shrimp (gamberetti, peeled and deveined)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh basil for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza stone or baking tray in the oven to heat.

3. Prepare the Toppings

1. Slice the mushrooms and lightly sauté them in olive oil for 3 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Shape the Dough

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into two portions.
2. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.

5. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread pomodoro sauce evenly on each pizza base using a wooden spoon.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
3. Top with sautéed mushrooms and shrimp.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the toppings and sprinkle with oregano or fresh basil.

6. Bake the Pizza

1. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or tray.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the pizza cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Variations and Tips

• Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini slices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix.
• Cheese Substitution: Opt for vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a slight kick.

  

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 720 kcal
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 4g

Notes on What to Expect

You’ll experience the perfect balance of savory and sweet from the mushrooms and shrimp, complemented by the creamy mozzarella and tangy pomodoro. The crust should be crispy yet soft inside, creating the ideal base for these toppings.

Closing 

I hope this guide has made making Pizza Mari e Monti seem a little less daunting! Have you tried this recipe before, or do you have any tweaks you’d like to share? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!