Asparagus pizza

• Cooking time 1 h
Asparagus pizza

Our asparagus pizza is a gourmet twist on a traditional Italian classic that highlights the fresh flavours of spring. Seasonal asparagus and tender marinated prawns are paired with a creamy cottage cheese base and tasty toppings. If you are looking for a lunch or dinner option, you should give this recipe a try.

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Ingredients

Pizza dough

Yeast
10 g
Water
250 ml
Olive oil
2 tsp
Coarse salt
¼ tsp
Whole wheat flour
100 g
Wheat flour, for example, Tipo 00
250 g

Seasoned prawns

Tiger prawns, thawed
200 g
Red chilli
1
Lemon, zest and juice
½
Olive oil
2 tsp

Toppings and garnish

Fresh green asparagus
300 g
Coarse salt
½ tsp
Cottage cheese
450 g
Grated mozzarella cheese
200 g
Courgette (approximately 250 g)
1
Salad mix
50 g

Instructions

Pizza dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Add olive oil, salt, and both flours, reserving some wheat flour for later.
  • Combine the pizza dough using a wooden spoon. Let the dough rise, covered with a cloth, in the fridge for at least 8 hours – preferably 24 hours.

Seasoned prawns

  • Pat the prawns dry with kitchen paper.
  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chilli, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, then stir until smooth.
  • Dip the prawns in the marinade and set aside.

Assemble the pizza

  • Preheat the oven to 250 °C and place two baking trays inside to heat up.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead well. Add the remaining flour if needed.
  • Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into an oval base (about 28 x 40 cm).
  • Transfer the bases onto two pieces of parchment paper and slide them onto the preheated baking trays. Trim excess parchment to avoid burning.
  • Pre-bake the bases in the upper and lower sections of the oven. Remove after 10–12 minutes and switch the oven to grill mode.

Toppings and garnish

  • Rinse the asparagus, courgette, and salad mix. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and slice lengthwise. Season with salt.
  • Use a vegetable peeler or julienne cutter to shave the courgette into thin, long ribbons.
  • Press down the pizza bases if they have risen. Spread cottage cheese, mozzarella, asparagus, and marinated prawns over the bases.
  • Grill one pizza at a time on the top section of the oven for about 2 minutes.
  • Garnish with courgette ribbons and salad mix. Serve immediately with any remaining courgette and salad on the side.
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Master the dough consistency

Ensure your dough is soft yet elastic for easy stretching without tearing. If it is too sticky, add a little flour; if it is too dry, incorporate a few drops of water. After the dough has risen in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, allow it to rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before shaping. Use a floured surface and stretch gently using your knuckle.

Prepare the pizza dough in advance and freeze

You can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time and freeze it for convenience. After kneading, let the dough rise, shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in cling film, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before rolling out. This gives the crust a great texture and allows you to enjoy homemade pizza anytime you crave it.

Select the right shrimp

Tiger prawns are an excellent choice because of their sweet taste and firm bite. Both fresh and frozen ones work well. If you are using fresh prawns, look for ones with firm, translucent shells that are slightly moist and shiny. They should also have a fresh, ocean-like smell. If you are going with frozen prawns, opt for quick-frozen ones to ensure that they have not been thawed and refrozen, which helps maintain their quality.

Get a crispy crust

Preheat your oven to its highest setting, usually around 250 °C, to get that professional-quality crust. If you have a pizza stone, use it to evenly distribute the heat. Pre-bake the base on the lowest shelf of the oven to make it nice and crispy. Once you have added the toppings, switch to the grill setting to melt the cheese and cook the toppings without making the base soggy.

FAQ: Questions about asparagus pizza

This recipe combines the freshness of vegetables with the rich, comforting qualities of traditional pizza. Below are answers to common questions about making, freezing, and reheating this delicious pizza with asparagus.

Can I make the pizza dough with a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A stand mixer makes preparing pizza dough even easier. Use the dough hook attachment and mix your ingredients on low speed until they come together into a shaggy dough. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Once it is ready, let the dough rise as usual. This saves time and effort while giving you perfectly kneaded dough.

Can I freeze asparagus pizza?

Yes, you can freeze asparagus pizza! If you are freezing leftovers, let the pizza cool completely first. Then, wrap each slice tightly in cling film or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For a whole pizza, follow the same steps to ensure it stays fresh. If you are freezing an uncooked asparagus pizza, assemble it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How to reheat asparagus pizza?

Reheat asparagus pizza in a preheated oven at 180 °C. Place it on a tray lined with parchment paper and warm for 5–10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust crisps. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crust. This ensures the pizza retains its original flavour and texture.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

2419 Kcal

Fibre 20.1 gram fibers
Protein 178.6 gram
Carbohydrates 276.8 gram
Fat 64.3 gram

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Enjoy this easy asparagus pizza

This asparagus pizza celebrates fresh, seasonal flavours. A light, crispy crust forms the perfect base for vegetables and cheese toppings, with a delicate surprise from the sea. Maybe you are looking for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or just something special to share with friends; this recipe captures spring in every bite – easy, fresh, and utterly delicious.

If you are an asparagus enthusiast, there is more to discover. Try our delicate asparagus with fish, grilled asparagus, or asparagus quiche with cheese and peas.

Homemade pizza crust with cottage cheese and mozzarella

For us, it is all about the crust – a slow-risen dough made with two types of flour and good olive oil that bakes into a golden, crispy base. A generous layer of cottage cheese is spread across the base, adding a creamy, slightly tangy note. The addition of grated mozzarella melts into bubbly perfection, tying everything together.

Topped with asparagus, courgette, and chilli-lemon prawns

The toppings for this pizza showcase the best the season has to offer. The asparagus bring a tender crunch and a subtle earthiness, while thin courgette ribbons add a delicate sweetness. But what makes this pizza extra delicious are the succulent prawns. Marinated with a bit of chilli, lemon zest, and juice, they get just the right amount of heat. It is a slice of magic fresh from the oven.

A fresh twist on classic pizza

Asparagus pizza reimagines an Italian classic, weaving together the essence of spring with a touch of creativity. It is a fantastic centrepiece for an alfresco summer lunch, sparking conversation with every slice. Our recipe reinvents pizza while still paying homage to its roots, inviting you to experience a timeless favourite in a whole new way.

Experiment with the topping

Asparagus pizza allows you to experiment with the toppings while maintaining its spring-inspired character.

Try adding prosciutto, which adds a slightly salty touch that complements the earthy asparagus, while roasted cherry tomatoes add a gentle sweetness and a tangy accent. Parmesan shavings, sprinkled after baking, introduce a nutty depth that works wonderfully with the creamy texture of cottage cheese and mozzarella.

Consider swapping some of the mozzarella with goat cheese or ricotta, both of which lend a tangy flavour and result in a creamy finish. Alternatively, a mild blue cheese such as Gorgonzola offers a bold, slightly pungent note that complements the marinated prawns. Adding thinly sliced red onions brings a light sharpness and crunch, while a dollop of basil pesto or a sprinkle of rosemary infuse the pizza with aromatic freshness.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/asparagus-pizza/