Discover a unique Mediterranean-inspired pizza that combines creamy buffalo mozzarella, savory garlic-infused tomato sauce, and tender tuna. Topped with crunchy crumbled taralli and fresh basil leaves, this pizza offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. A hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus twist, making every bite irresistibly delicious and perfect for pizza enthusiasts looking for something special.
An innovative idea for a pizza that blends Mediterranean flavors and different textures: Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza with Garlic Sauce, Tuna, Crumbled Taralli, and Basil. The addition of taralli provides crunchiness, while the tuna and buffalo mozzarella add savoriness and creaminess.
Ingredients (for 2 medium-sized pizzas)
For the pizza dough
- 400 g of type 0 flour (or half type 0 and half Manitoba flour)
- 220 ml of lukewarm water
- 3 g of dry brewer’s yeast (or 10 g of fresh brewer’s yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
For the garlic sauce
- 200 g of tomato passata (choose a chunky variety)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
For the toppings
- 200 g of high-quality tuna in oil (drained)
- 200 g of buffalo mozzarella (well drained from the whey)
- 2-3 taralli (traditional flavor or with fennel)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Grated zest of ½ lemon (optional, for a touch of freshness)
- Extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Prepare the dough
- In a large bowl, dissolve the dry (or fresh) brewer’s yeast in half of the lukewarm water along with the sugar.
- Gradually add the flour, then add the remaining water, olive oil, and finally the salt.
- Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Form a ball, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the garlic sauce
- Finely chop the garlic cloves (or crush them with a garlic press).
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat with the garlic. Gently sauté for 1 minute without burning the garlic.
- Add the tomato passata and, if desired, a pinch of chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of water.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Roll out and top the pizzas
- Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into two portions. Roll them out on a lightly floured surface into the desired shape (round or rectangular).
- Spread the garlic sauce evenly on each pizza, leaving a small border.
- Tear the buffalo mozzarella into pieces and distribute them uniformly over the pizzas.
- Drain the tuna and crumble it with a fork, then spread it over the mozzarella.
- Baking
- Preheat the oven to the highest temperature (230-250°C or 450-480°F), preferably with a baking stone or the baking sheet inside so it gets very hot.
- Carefully transfer the pizzas onto a floured baking sheet or the hot baking stone.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the mozzarella is melted.
- Final touch
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and finish them with crumbled taralli for a pleasant crunchy contrast.
- Add fresh basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle with a bit of lemon zest for a citrus aroma.
- Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Taste a pinch of taralli before serving to check the saltiness: if needed, you can add a light sprinkle of salt over the entire pizza.
Tips and Variations
- Marinated Tuna: For a more pronounced flavor, you can use fresh tuna briefly seared in a pan and then deglazed with white wine and lemon zest. Just 2-3 minutes of cooking per side will suffice.
- Basil Pesto: Instead of fresh leaves, you can add a few drops of light pesto on top of the already baked pizza.
- Flavored Taralli: If you like to experiment, use taralli with chili, herbs, or fennel to add another layer of flavor.
- Sauce Alternative: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can rub garlic on the bread or dough before spreading the simple passata instead of making the garlic sauce.
This pizza combines the deliciousness of tuna and buffalo mozzarella with the fragrance of taralli and the irresistible aroma of basil and garlic. The lemon zest (optional) adds a fresh and citrusy twist that will surprise your guests. Enjoy your meal!
