A Deliciously Different Way to Enjoy Pizza: Introducing Pizzagna!
Oh, pizza! It's the food that brings joy to every occasion. From casual gatherings to special celebrations, a pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. But have you ever craved a pizza experience that's a little different, something that adds a touch of elegance and a whole lot of flavour? That's where pizzagna comes in, and trust me, you're going to love it!
Pizzagna is essentially a pizza lasagna, combining the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the crispy, flavourful toppings of your favourite pizza. It's a delightful fusion of Italian culinary classics, and it's bound to become a new favourite in your kitchen. So, let's dive into this exciting recipe, and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Pizzagna: A Deliciously Different Take on Pizza

INGREDIENTS

This recipe makes a large pizzagna, perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry pizza lovers. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
For the Pizza Dough:
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
1 pound ricotta cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
For the Topping:
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced
1/4 cup green bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

Now, let's get our hands dirty and create a delicious pizzagna masterpiece!
1. Preparing the Pizza Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture.
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Making the Sauce:
While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce.
In a large saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assembling the Pizzagna:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Roll out the dough to a 12x16 inch rectangle.
Place the dough in the prepared baking dish.
Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Building the Layers:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Arrange the pepperoni, bell peppers, and red onion over the cheese.
5. Baking the Pizzagna:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Enjoying the Pizzagna:
The best part? This delicious creation can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even cold!
Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.
Tips for the Perfect Pizzagna:
If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add your favourite vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
For a vegetarian pizzagna, omit the pepperoni and use more vegetables.
For a more decadent pizzagna, add a layer of spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
Pizzagna is a culinary adventure that's sure to please everyone at the table. It's a delightful combination of pizza and lasagna, offering a unique and flavourful experience. So, next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe, give pizzagna a try. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!