Broccoli And Ricotta Pizza
A flavorful broccoli and ricotta pizza featuring fresh greens and creamy cheese, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Saute the chopped broccoli, stirring for 1 minute until bright green and coated with hot oil.
- Add water, cover, and cook the broccoli for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand uncovered.
- Preheat oven and prepare the pizza dough on a floured surface, sprinkling with cornmeal.
- Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add the cooked broccoli on top of the ricotta.
- Crack the egg and beat it lightly, then drizzle over the toppings.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over the pizza.
- Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter crust, consider using whole wheat pizza dough. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese works as a great substitute. Experiment with different vegetables like spinach or zucchini, which are also popular in Mediterranean recipes. Remember to chop the broccoli into small pieces to ensure even cooking and better flavor distribution.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli and ricotta pizza is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or a light soup like Vegetable Provencale. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade. You could also complement it with a side of roasted vegetables to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Ricotta Pizza contains roughly 547 calories, with 17g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2218mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture on the pizza. Cook it briefly in the skillet to heat through before adding it to the pizza.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the egg?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for a vegan option that binds the toppings without sacrificing texture.
What type of cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?
You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or if you prefer a milder taste, try using Grana Padano. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).