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Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta #pizzaconmelanzaneericottasalata#lericettediziafranca #francadibiase #ricettefatteincasa . Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta Recipe Guide

Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Rolling Pin
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Pizza Dough store-bought or homemade
  • 1 lb 450 g of dough, enough for 2 small pizzas
  • Eggplant
  • 1 medium eggplant sliced into thin rounds
  • Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 cup 250 g, fresh and creamy
  • Mozzarella Cheese optional but adds a lovely stretch
  • 1 cup shredded
  • Tomato Sauce
  • ½ cup for the base
  • Olive Oil
  • 1 –2 tablespoons
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • A handful for garnish
  • Salt and Pepper
  • To taste
  • Garlic
  • 1 clove minced (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • ½ teaspoon for a hint of spice (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the thinly sliced eggplant rounds on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for about 10 minutes until the eggplant softens and edges turn golden.
  • Tip: Roasting the eggplant brings out a rich, caramelized flavor and removes excess moisture, which keeps your pizza from getting soggy.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Dough
  • Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thick, making a rustic circular or rectangular shape.
  • Optional: If you like a thicker crust, let the dough rise on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before adding toppings.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
  • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch at the edges for the crust.
  • Add dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the sauce. From my experience, using fresh ricotta makes a big difference in taste and texture.
  • Distribute the roasted eggplant rounds over the ricotta, followed by shredded mozzarella if using.
  • Sprinkle with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if desired, for extra depth and a little kick.
  • Step 4: Bake the Pizza
  • Place the assembled pizza on a baking sheet or, if available, a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  • Tip: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes; oven temperatures can vary, and you may need a bit less or more time.
  • Step 5: Garnish and Serve
  • Once the pizza is out of the oven, top it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
  • Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza if desired, slice, and enjoy!
  • Variations and Dietary Substitutions
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough.
  • Vegan Option: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. Plant-based cheeses that melt well work best.
  • Additions: For a more robust pizza, add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a few arugula leaves after baking.
  • Lower-Calorie Option: Use less cheese and opt for whole-grain or cauliflower crust if preferred.
Keyword Pizza, Pizza con Melanzane, Pizza con Ricotta, Pizza Italiana