This is the perfect combination for a unique gourmet vegetarian pizza.
Morels and asparagus are both delectable spring treats, though morels may be dehydrated or sautéed and frozen to be saved for enjoyment through the whole year. This recipe is for dried morels, which you can buy here.
This pizza dough recipe has never let me down, and I usually make a double recipe because it's so good reheated or even cold! But you can buy premade crusts, or pitas too.
As for sauce, you're welcome to use a store bought pizza sauce or pasta sauce even, but I've become accustomed to making my own thick and herby pizza sauce, so I'll include that recipe too.
Morel & Asparagus Pizza
INGREDIENTS
TOPPINGS
• 14 grams Wildland Foods dried morels (pidpenky go very well with this recipe too)
• 6-7 stalks of fresh Asparagus
• 2-3 cloves fresh garlic
• 1/2 medium onion diced
• 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
DOUGH
• 2 cups lukewarm water (470 grams)
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
• 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour or bread flour (680 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
SAUCE
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 T balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/4 t pepper
• 1 t rosemary
• 1 t oregano
• 1 t nettle flakes (optional, can sub. Spinach)
• 2 T oil
• 2 T water to thin if needed
(Alternative: use 1/2 cup store bought pizza sauce)
PIZZA DOUGH
• 2 cups lukewarm water (470 grams)
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour or bread flour (680 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
I added a teaspoon of dried nettle into the crust for some extra nutrition and flavour.
Directions
PIZZA DOUGH
》Combine in large bowl and let sit 5 minutes:
• 2 cups lukewarm water (470 grams)
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
》Add:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour or bread flour (680 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried nettles (optional)
Dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Knead for 5 minutes, and then cover and set aside for half an hour to rise while you prepare your toppings and sauce.
Then press onto lightly oiled pizza or baking pan.
Original dough recipe from:
SAUCE
Combine all ingredients and cook on low, stirring occasionally, good right away but letting the flavours meld 15-20 minutes is great.
TOPPINGS
》Place morels in bowl or container.
》Barely cover with freshly boiled water, either weight down or periodically 'wack a morel' to submerge, we usually put in a bowl and stack another on top.
》Let sit 15-20 minutes.
》Strain morels, but save the soaking liquid for stock.
》Slice and then saute in pan with butter and diced garlic and onion 10 minutes, I like to add a few Tablespoons of the stock from soaking as it cooks.
》Slice asparagus into 1/2" chunks, I sliced diagonally.
》Spread sauce and then toppings on pizza and cover with cheese.
》Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes.
》Bon appetit!