A layer of pesto under some fresh mozzarrella makes a simple pizza taste extra special.
I love to use my Asiago Pesto Spread and add whatever I happen to have on hand. In this case, it was a few dabs of leftover Summer Tomato and Leek Sauce and Parmesan Zucchini Bites.
You may add chopped, fresh tomatoes and zucchini if you like. Or include some roasted garlic, fresh greens, and a bit of Parmesan or Asiago cheese.
For the crust, I enjoy a whole wheat version, but you may use all all-purpose flour if you prefer. I also make these pizzas using a cup-for-cup substitute of my gluten-free flour blend and they turn out quite well.
You may roll or stretch the crusts extra thinly if you prefer a crisp crust. Just go light on any sauces, in that case, to avoid a soggy crust.
This crust is an ideal vehicle for all sorts of cheeses, pesto, prosciutto, greens, etc.
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant (rapid rise) yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (plus an extra tablespoon or two, if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toppings, as desired
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In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
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In a measuring cup, combine the water and olive oil.
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Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the water and oil. Stir the flour into the wet ingredients, incorporating all the flour. Mix until dough forms a ball. Add an extra tablespoon or so of water, if needed.
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On a lightly-floured surface, knead the dough for about a minute. Return to the bowl, cover, and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes, although I have found the dough becomes easier to work with if I let it sit for closer to 45-60 minutes. (At this point, you may refrigerate for up to a couple of days in an airtight container. Allow dough to sit 30 minutes at room temperature before proceeding.)
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Punch down the dough and portion into 6 equal-size portions. Carefully, stretch the rounds into the desired shape and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or sprinkled with cornmeal until ready to grill. (I have also rolled the rounds with a rolling pin.)
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Have grill cleaned and preheated to medium-high heat when ready to cook. Place prepared dough on grill and cook until marks form and turn to the other side. This doesn’t take long; I peek underneath and flip as soon as I see the dark grill marks.
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When dough is slightly crisp, remove pizzas from the grill and top as desired. You may put topped pizzas back on the grill over indirect heat to warm the toppings. I often prepare the pizza crusts in advance and finish off in a 425-degree oven for 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese.
- The dry ingredients, yeast and all, may be mixed in advance and stored in a zipper-top bag in the refrigerator.
HI Anne. Looong time no talk or text to. Hope all is well. I was wondering, do you have a g.f. recipe for a fish batter? I’m trying to rid my fish of the fishy taste [ha ha] and have been told that if I fry them in a fish batter that would help. Looking forward to you’re reply;] John B
Hi John, I don’t have a fish batter recipe on the blog. I tend to bake or sauté more frequently and find that there isn’t a “fishy” flavor. One recipe you may enjoy is the following, as it has a mild flavor and a light, crisp crust. I have others as well if interested. Good to hear from you and hope you are well!
https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/crispy-parmesan-flounder/
Thanks for the quick response,Ann. I forgot to mention that the fish were 5 to 10 pound catfish. I’ve been told that when the catfish get that big, they’re going to have a ”fishy” taste to them. How exactly would you cook up a fish that size? I’ve learned that lemon juice really helps. Was wondering your thoughts. Thanks Ann.
Those are big fish! There are many different ways you could prepare them. We sometimes wrap the cleaned fish in foil, add salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon slices, and then grill them. You could do something similar in the oven (parchment paper packets work well there), or cut into fillets and sauté in some butter, herbs, salt, and pepper, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end.
excellent! will have to try that. Thanks:] Here’s another one. How bout a g.f. recipe for orange chicken? [my faaaaaaavorite oriental dish} Thanks again Anne. Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving and The merriest of Christmases.
Hi John, If you have a recipe for orange chicken, I’d be happy to help you convert it to a delicious GF dish. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, too!
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