Ultimate Veggie Delight: Gourmet Deep-Dish Spinach Pizza Recipe

Deep-Dish Spinach Pizza Recipe

Description:
This award-winning deep-dish spinach pizza recipe is a culinary gem, originally sourced from Jane Brody and perfected at Pizzapiazza in Lower Manhattan. It’s a wholesome delight, brimming with vibrant vegetables, low-fat cheeses, and a homemade sauce nestled in a hearty whole wheat crust. Baked in a springform pan, its unique design showcases a symphony of flavors, highlighted by plum tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. It’s a labor of love, but the result is undeniably worth every effort.

Recipe Overview:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 to 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cornmeal (for sprinkling)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can plum tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of hot red pepper flakes
• 1 bunch fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper

Instructions:

1. Crust Preparation:

• Proof yeast in warm water with sugar until bubbly.
• In a food processor or bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
• Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and blend into the flour until dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
• Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Once risen, punch the dough down, wrap it well, and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Sauce Preparation:

• In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
• Reduce heat, add plum tomatoes with their liquid, and break them up slightly.
• Season with salt, sugar, black pepper, and hot red pepper flakes.
• Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, approximately 30 minutes.

3. Topping Preparation:

• Cook spinach in a covered saucepan until wilted, about 3 minutes.
• Drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze dry. Coarsely chop the spinach.
• In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 15 seconds. Add spinach and cook for an additional minute. Set aside.
• Mix together the mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl.

4. Assembling the Pizza:

• Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and position the rack in the lowest position.
• Grease a 9-inch springform pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
• Roll out half of the dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with the dough, ensuring no overhang.
• Spread 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture over the bottom of the crust.
• Evenly spread the prepared tomato sauce over the cheese layer.
• Top with the cooked spinach mixture, followed by the remaining cheese.
• Arrange the vertically sliced plum tomatoes along the side of the pie, alternating with fresh basil leaves.
• Place the remaining tomato slices in a circle in the center, alternating with slices of green and red bell peppers.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan and slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 853.1
• Total Fat: 37.1g
• Saturated Fat: 15.9g
• Cholesterol: 80.4mg
• Sodium: 1522.6mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 88.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 10.8g
• Sugars: 8.5g
• Protein: 45.1g

This deep-dish spinach pizza is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, showcasing the best of wholesome ingredients and culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking for a standout weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on taste, presentation, and satisfaction. Enjoy creating this culinary masterpiece in your kitchen and savor the accolades that come with each delicious bite! 🍕🌿