Italian Sausage, Cheese and Pesto Pizza
See more in Dough Cycle Recipes, Pizza Recipes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- * * * The Dough * * * 1 1/8 cups warm water 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/2 cups semolina flour 1 1/2 cups bread flour 2 teaspoons yeast * * * Pesto Sauce * * * 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup fresh parsley sprigs 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chicken stock 1/8 cup walnuts 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper * * * The Pizza Toppings * * * 1/2 pound Italian sausage -- cooked and drained 2 whole tomatoes -- sliced 1/4" thick 1 cup mozzarella cheese -- shredded 1/2 cup provolone cheese -- shredded 1/4 cup monterey jack cheese -- shredded 1/4 cup cheddar cheese -- shredded THE DOUGH Place all of the dough ingredients in your machines fully assembled pan and in the order specified by your machines manufacturer. Select the dough or manual cycle and press start. When the dough is done remove it to a floured work surface and form in to a small round ball. Then press it out using your hands in to a 2-inch thick disc. Cover with a damp towel and let rest 10 minutes. After resting using a rolling pin roll the dough out starting from the center then turn a 1/4 turn and then roll out again from the center. Repeat over and over until the dough is about 14" round. Cover with a damp towel and let rest 10 minutes. PESTO SAUCE Combine all of the ingredients for the sauce in your blender or food processor and blend until smooth (or chunky it is up to you). PUTTING IT TOGETHER Uncover the crust and transfer it to a 14" round pizza pan, then spread on the pesto sauce. Sprinkle on half of the grated cheese and then sprinkle on the Italian sausage and then sprinkle on the rest of the cheese. BAKING THE PIZZA Bake the pizza in a preheated 500 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is brown around the edges and the cheese has melted. Once the pizza is done allow it to rest uncovered for 5 minutes them top with the sliced tomato. Slice the pizza in to eights and serve. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 487 Calories; 25g Fat (45.9% calories from fat); 20g Protein; 45g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 49mg Cholesterol; 1300mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain(Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 3 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. NOTES : SEMOLINA FLOUR - I chose to use semoline flour this time for a more Italian taste. I really like using semolina flour in bread and pizza not only for the color but for the texture and taste. You can use all-purpose flour instead of the semolina if you like. PESTO SAUCE - I developed this sauce because I didn't like the high oil versions that everyone else used. Using the chicken stock in place of most of the oil adds flavor and makes it easy to blend too. If you want you can reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon. Also, if you want to use pinenuts instead of walnuts you can do that too. For a creamy pesto add 1/4 cup whole milk to the mixture. ITALIAN SAUSAGE - I use turkey italian because it is lower in fact and better in taste. However you can use what you like. THE PIZZA OVERALL - I prefer to keep my pizzas simple. If I want a combination pizza I will buy one. Otherwise I make simple pizzas with a minimum of toppings. A mixture of cheeses is always better. I also like to spinkle on green can parmesan, black pepper and a bit of red pepper flakes before baking for some extra zip.
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