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Gremolata (greməˈlätə)!............. Gremolata is just a funny, fancy Italian name for a delicious mixture, usually made up of fresh parsley, lemon zest and garlic. I had some fun with my gremolata; adding fresh basil, cilantro and chives, in addition to the parsley. Gremolata is traditionally served over slow-cooked braised meats, but I've found that it adds a delicious, fresh touch to all kinds of dishes. I love to sprinkle it over grilled chicken or shrimp, roasted vegetables..... it makes everyday mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, even grilled cheese quite gourmet!
The pizza itself is very simple; a pesto base topped with sliced, fresh mozzarella, a scatter of sweet Italian sausage and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, a flash bake until the crust turns golden in a hot oven - and the final touch - fresh, vibrantly green, Spring Herb Gremolata. I've been tweaking and testing this one for a while now and resident "the taste-testers" think it's perfect! I have a feeling this Pesto Pizza w/ Italian Sausage, Slow-Roasted Tomatoes and Spring Herb Gremolata just might become one of your favorites too!
Pesto Pizza w/ Italian Sausage, Slow-Roasted Tomatoes & Spring Herb Gremolata
Ingredients for pizza:
½ recipe Best Ever - Pizza Dough, or use purchased pizza dough
3 tablespoons pesto
8 ounces Italian sausage*, cooked and crumbled into bite size pieces
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped fairly fine
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fairly fine
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fairly fine
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped fairly fine
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, about the zest from one medium lemon
a pinch of sea salt
⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Prepare pizza dough as directed or use a purchased ball of pizza dough.
2. While dough is rising, prepare gremolata; combine garlic, lemon zest, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
3. Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 475°F for 30 minutes, you want the stone to be blazing hot (this simulates a pizza oven).
4. Sprinkle a piece of parchment paper about the size of your pizza stone lightly with cornmeal and place it on a pizza paddle or on a large cutting board. Set aside.
On a slightly floured work surface, flatten the dough with your hands. Start at the center and work outwards, using your fingers to press and stretch the dough outwards to a 10-12 inch circle. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes, this relaxes the glutens in the flour and makes the dough easier to work with.
Fold dough in half and then in quarters and transfer to prepared parchment paper. Unfold dough and reshape as needed.
5. Spread dough evenly with pesto and then distribute the mozzarella on top. Nestle Italian sausage and slow roasted tomatoes in between the slices of cheese. Let pizza rest for 20-30 minutes before placing in oven.
6. Carefully open oven and slide parchment paper and dough onto the preheated stone. Bake for 5- 7 minutes or until golden brown. Check after 5 minutes and turn pizza if one side is getting too brown.
7. Remove pizza from oven and sprinkle with the gremolata. Cut and enjoy!
lena says
chris, your pizza looks so much better than the ones that i get from the restaurants here.Fresh mozarella is something i would like to try, the gremolata mixture sounds great as the finishing touch to the toppings!
Vicki Bensinger says
I adore pizza and this sounds fantastic. What a great idea for the slow roasted tomatoes. Now why didn't I think of that? It's perfect!
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
Wowsers, this is my kind of pizza, I love using my stone, makes such a big diffrence.
Lizzy says
Beautifully done, Chris! My hubby has requested pizza for dinner next week, and I will try out your yummy dough. I'm loving the idea of pesto and sausage, too; yum! Plus your gremolata sounds better than the typical version...wish my herb garden was ready to harvest~
Dining Alone says
Well you learn something new everyday 🙂 This looks fantastic!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Lots of nice flavors going on. This pizza sounds terrific for the weekend.
Susan says
Wow, Chris, this sounds delicious! And your post looks like a magazine spread!
sweetcarolinescooking.com says
Ohhhhh my gosh, Chris. This pizza looks incredible. Pesto is my favorite! And your pictures are so vibrant. Love this. x
The Mom Chef says
Did you hear my sigh of pleasure from this far away? It was there. This looks fantastic. Love your version of the gremolata as well.
Sandra says
You are making exellent use of your tomatoes and basil. This one tasty savory indulgence. I'm adding this to the list of reasons why I should live in your neighborhood.
Kim says
Ok, Chris, do you have the ability the read the mind of people, especially mine????? Because this pizza is soooooo like I want it to be. I'm surely gonna test it!
Veronica Miller says
I'm totally sold! I love how you share a recipe component, and then recipes for it later, like with the ginger honey and now the roasted tomatoes.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Ok now I really need to make some of those slow roasted tomatoes. Shall keep an eye out for a bargain at the markets this weekend.
Katerina says
I love, love pizza in any form, with any ingredients and any shape! This one looks so juicy and perfect I suddenly feel very hungry! Beautifully made!
Ginny says
I never heard this word before, now i can impress people with it! This looks so yummy, I'm drooling!!!! I adore pizza, but am forbidden tomato seeds, so looking at this is like torture!!
Hovkonditorn says
Oh my, this looks so delicious! I could have a slice right now, please!
The Harried Cook says
Okay... Now I've got a SERIOUS pizza craving!!! I love the combination of your toppings and especially that gremolata! Thank you for sharing this, Chris!