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!
