Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed description of a Pizza Pie with Balsamic-Tomato Sauce and Roasted Vegetables, including its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.
Pizza Pie with Balsamic-Tomato Sauce and Roasted Vegetables
History:
Pizza, in various forms, has a long history that dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. However, the modern pizza as we know it, with toppings like tomato sauce and cheese, originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It was initially a simple flatbread with ingredients added on top. The combination of a flavorful tomato sauce, cheese, and roasted vegetables is a creative twist on the classic pizza and reflects the evolution of this beloved dish.
Components:
- Pizza Dough: You’ll need pizza dough as the base. You can buy pre-made dough or make your own from scratch.
- Balsamic-Tomato Sauce: This sauce is a delightful blend of tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and spices.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other types like parmesan or goat cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Choose a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes.
- Olive Oil: For roasting vegetables and brushing the pizza dough.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce and vegetables.
- Fresh Basil: For garnish (optional).
Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Balsamic-Tomato Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic.
- Add canned crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Set aside.
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Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
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Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or as high as it can go.
- Spread the balsamic-tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the cheese.
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Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Slice and serve!
Estimated Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare this pizza dish will vary depending on whether you make the pizza dough from scratch or use pre-made dough. On average, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, including dough preparation and baking time.
Enjoy your delicious Pizza Pie with Balsamic-Tomato Sauce and Roasted Vegetables!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a Pizza Pie with Balsamic-Tomato Sauce and Roasted Vegetables:
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories, depending on the size of the slice and the amount of cheese used.
- Protein: 8-12 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams.
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams.
- Sugars: 3-5 grams.
- Fat: 7-10 grams.
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams.
- Cholesterol: 10-20 milligrams.
- Sodium: 350-450 milligrams.
Health Information:
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Vegetable Content: This pizza is relatively healthy due to the inclusion of roasted vegetables. Vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They also provide antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health.
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Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce used on the pizza contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may have potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
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Cheese: While cheese adds flavor and creaminess to the pizza, it can also be high in saturated fat and sodium. To make the dish healthier, consider using less cheese or opting for low-fat cheese options.
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Pizza Dough: The type of pizza dough you use can affect the overall nutrition of the dish. Whole wheat or whole grain dough provides more fiber and nutrients compared to refined white dough.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Eating a reasonable portion of pizza along with a side salad can help you maintain a balanced diet.
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Customization: You can further enhance the healthiness of this pizza by adding other nutritious toppings such as spinach, arugula, or lean protein like grilled chicken.
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Sodium Awareness: Be cautious about the amount of salt added to the sauce and the roasted vegetables. Reducing salt can help manage sodium intake.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary concerns or goals, you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly. Enjoy your pizza in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
