Description
This Sardine Margherita recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Margherita pizza, combining the rich flavors of sardines with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal, this pizza is baked until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, offering a delicious blend of savory and fresh tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza dough or 2 flatbreads
Toppings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 1 (3.75 oz) can sardines in olive oil, drained
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Chili flakes or lemon zest (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using pizza dough, stretch it out onto a baking sheet or a pizza stone to get it ready for toppings.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly. Season this mixture lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Spread Sauce and Oregano: Evenly spread the tomato sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes over your prepared dough or flatbreads. Sprinkle dried oregano over the sauce for an aromatic touch.
- Add Tomato and Cheese Toppings: Distribute the sautéed garlic and cherry tomato mixture over the sauce. Then, scatter torn pieces of fresh mozzarella evenly on top.
- Top with Sardines: Arrange the drained sardines on the pizza. You can leave them whole or break them into chunks according to your preference.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with chili flakes or a little lemon zest for an extra flavor boost.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the pizza into portions and serve hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use flatbreads for a quicker alternative to pizza dough.
- Sardines add a protein-rich, omega-3 boost to your pizza, making it wholesome and flavorful.
- Adjust chili flakes and lemon zest according to your spice and zest preference.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated to achieve a crispy crust.
- This pizza is best enjoyed fresh and hot right after baking.
