If you’ve been craving a flavorful, homemade pizza that’s bursting with unique ingredients, look no further. This Crispy Kale Pesto Pizza with Cashew Ricotta recipe is a perfect combination of fresh and nutritious ingredients, offering a twist on the traditional pizza. Each bite provides a symphony of textures and flavors, making it a feast for both your taste buds and your eyes.
Gathering Your Ingredients
The key to any great recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients used. This pizza recipe brings together the zesty flavors of homemade pesto with the creamy, nutty goodness of cashew ricotta. To make it easier for you to gather the ingredients, weve provided a detailed list with recommended products to enhance your cooking experience. Simple recipes can also inspire you for future culinary adventures.
Ingredients for the Pizza Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Get a quality olive oil here
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Kale Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh kale leaves
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Cashew Ricotta:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (as needed for blending)
Topping:
- 1 large bunch of fresh kale leaves, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated vegan cheese
Preparing the Dough
The foundation of any great pizza is a perfectly prepared dough. Its an art form in its own right, and once mastered, it can greatly enhance the overall taste of your pizza. Start by mixing the dry yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for about five minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active, which is crucial for a good rise. Next, in a large Dutch oven, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Gradually add the yeast mixture, kneading until you achieve a smooth dough. This process usually takes about 10 minutes by hand, but can be shortened using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size approximately 1 hour.
Crafting the Kale Pesto
This kale pesto is not your average pesto; its packed with nutrients and flavor that elevate the pizza to a new level. Begin by thoroughly washing the kale and basil leaves. In a food processor, combine the kale leaves, basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning as per your preference. This vibrant green pesto can be made in advance and stored in a refrigerator for up to a week, which also lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Creating the Cashew Ricotta
The cashew ricotta offers a creamy, dairy-free alternative that perfectly complements our kale pesto. After soaking the cashews overnight, drain them and place them in a blender. Add the lemon juice, garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Begin blending, adding water slowly until the mixture reaches a creamy, ricotta-like consistency. Remember, depending on your blender, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally. Adjust the seasoning as per your taste. This cashew ricotta can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Bringing It All Together
With all components ready, its time to assemble your masterpiece. Preheat your oven to 475F (245C). Punch down the dough to remove excess air and roll it out on a floured cutting board to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of kale pesto over the base, ensuring an even coverage. Next, dollop spoonfuls of cashew ricotta across the pesto layer. Top with chopped kale, sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes. For an extra hint of cheesy goodness, sprinkle with vegan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
The Finishing Touches
After baking, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This allows the flavors to set and enhances the eating experience. As a final touch, drizzle the pizza with a bit of olive oil or add a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor. Enjoy this delightful Crispy Kale Pesto Pizza with Cashew Ricotta with family and friends. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad of mixed greens or even a light soup, like this Red Lentil Butternut Curry Soup!
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Tools
After you’ve enjoyed your pizza, it’s important to look after your cookware to ensure it performs well in future culinary endeavors. Use this cookware care kit to maintain your Dutch oven and knives, ensuring they remain in top condition. Furthermore, a cutting board conditioner will help keep your cutting board smooth and free of odor. Taking these small steps will help preserve the longevity and performance of your kitchen tools.
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