Persimmon and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

 

Persimmon and Goat Cheese Pizza: A Fall Flavour Explosion

This gourmet pizza recipe combines the sweetness of persimmons with the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a unique and delicious autumnal treat.

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough (makes 1 pizza):
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
• For the Toppings:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 ripe Fuyu persimmons, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• Honey for drizzling
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1 Make the Pizza Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
• Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2  Prepare the Toppings:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelised, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3 Assemble and Bake the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or pizza stone inside (if using).
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
• Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
• Spread the caramelised onions evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
• Arrange the persimmon slices on top of the onions.
• Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the pizza.
• Top with fresh thyme sprigs.

4 Bake:

• Slide the pizza onto the preheated baking stone (or bake directly on a baking sheet) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5 Finishing Touches:

• Drizzle the cooked pizza with honey to taste.
• Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
• Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Look for pre-made dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
• If you don't have a pizza stone, you can bake the pizza on a baking sheet. However, a pizza stone will help achieve a crispier crust.
• For a vegetarian option, you can omit the goat cheese.
• You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or a mozzarella and goat cheese blend.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information (per slice):

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on the ingredients)
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Protein: 15-20g

Enjoy this delicious and unique Persimmon and Goat Cheese Pizza!