Once Upon a Stargazy Pizza: A Winter Warmer Recipe
Winter nights call for comforting food, and what's more comforting than pizza? But let's ditch the ordinary pepperoni and embrace something truly unique and magical: Stargazy Pizza. This isn't your average pie; it's a whimsical, flavourful adventure that's perfect for a cosy evening in.
The Legend of Stargazy Pizza
Before we dive into the recipe, let's understand the inspiration. Stargazy pie, a traditional Cornish dish, features pilchard heads poking out from the pastry crust – hence the "stargazing" effect. Our pizza version retains this whimsical essence, albeit with a more accessible and pizza-friendly twist!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences and available ingredients. Feel free to experiment!
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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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
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For the "Stars":
- 1 cup cooked seafood (prawns, mussels, or even canned tuna work wonderfully!)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or your favorite cheese)
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Other Toppings:
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing Your Stargazy Pizza Masterpiece:
1. Making the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Crafting the Sauce: While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil (if you want extra flavour!), then stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
3. Assembling the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
4. The Stargazing Effect: Arrange the cooked seafood strategically across the pizza, allowing their “heads” (the plumpest part) to peek out slightly from the toppings – this creates the stargazing effect! Sprinkle with feta cheese, red onions, and olives.
5. Baking to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your Stargazy Pizza with a crisp white wine or a refreshing winter salad. It's the perfect centerpiece for a cozy night in with friends or family.
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