BBQ’d Cornmeal Crust Pizza with Artichokes is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the crunch of cornmeal crust with the savory richness of cheeses and the earthy sweetness of artichokes. This recipe, perfect for a sophisticated lunch or snack, offers a culinary adventure that elevates the concept of pizza to new heights.
Overview
This recipe showcases a total preparation time of 35 minutes, with 20 minutes dedicated to prep and 15 minutes to cooking. It serves 4 people, making it ideal for a small gathering or family meal. Each serving provides approximately 530.7 calories, with 25.9 grams of fat, 11.6 grams of saturated fat, and 50.9 milligrams of cholesterol. It’s also packed with 24.8 grams of protein and 53.5 grams of carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal option.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lite olive oil
Toppings:
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 3/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional:
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust:
Start by combining the whole wheat flour, white flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and dried basil in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the plain yogurt with olive oil. Pour the yogurt mixture over the flour mixture and gently stir with a fork until just combined. -
Knead and Rest:
Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead lightly into a ball. Cover the dough and let it rest while you prepare the toppings. -
Prepare the Toppings:
Slice the tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Shred the mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Chop the fresh basil leaves. -
Roll Out the Dough:
Roll the dough out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Transfer the rolled dough to a greased 12-inch pizza pan. -
Assemble the Pizza:
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the dough, extending to the edges. Arrange the sliced tomatoes, artichokes, and black olives on top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the toppings. -
Grill the Pizza:
Preheat your BBQ grill to medium heat. Place the pizza pan on the grill, positioning it 5-6 inches above the heat source. Close the grill cover and cook the pizza for 10-15 minutes, rotating the pan every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking. The crust should become crisp and golden, and the cheese thoroughly melted. -
Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pizza from the grill. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the hot pizza for a burst of fresh flavor. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
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Ingredient Substitutions: If you can’t find provolone cheese, you can use additional mozzarella or another melting cheese of your choice. Adjust the quantities based on personal preference.
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Grilling Tips: Ensure your BBQ grill is adequately preheated and maintains a consistent medium heat throughout cooking to achieve a perfectly crispy crust without burning.
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Presentation: Serve this BBQ’d Cornmeal Crust Pizza with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to complement the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the warm pizza.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain the crispness of the crust.
Conclusion
BBQ’d Cornmeal Crust Pizza with Artichokes is not just a meal; it’s an experience in gourmet pizza-making at home. The blend of cornmeal in the crust adds a delightful crunch, while the combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses creates a gooey, satisfying texture. Topped with fresh vegetables and finished with aromatic basil, each bite offers a burst of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or seeking a flavorful snack, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary repertoire with its sophisticated yet approachable appeal.
