Once Upon a Time: A Stargazy Pizza Recipe Fit for a King (or Queen!)
Forget your average pepperoni pizza – this Stargazy Pizza is a culinary adventure! Inspired by the Cornish Stargazy Pie, this recipe adds a whimsical twist to a classic, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Prepare for a feast that's as delicious as it is visually stunning!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Star Players
This recipe will make one large, spectacular pizza. Adjust quantities as needed for your hungry crew.
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings (the stargazing part!):
- 8 ounces fresh sardines, cleaned and filleted (or other small, oily fish like anchovies)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil
Baking a Stargazy Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Get Your Dough Ready:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. Combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
3. Assemble Your Stargazy Masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Arrange the sardine fillets (or other fish) in a circular pattern on the sauce, slightly overlapping. Think of it as creating a "starry" effect!
- Scatter the red onion slices over the fish.
- Sprinkle the feta and Parmesan cheeses generously over the entire pizza.
4. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for a Stellar Stargazy Pizza
- Fish Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of small, oily fish. Anchovies, sprats, or even whitebait would work well.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the fish with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
- Cheese Variations: Try using mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Stargazy Pizza hot, straight from the oven. It's delicious on its own, but a simple side salad would complement the flavors beautifully. Enjoy this unique and memorable pizza experience! Remember to share your creations with us – we'd love to see your stargazy pizza masterpieces!
