Garlic Pizza

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With its blistered, crispy crust and utterly irresistible aroma, Garlic Pizza is proof that the simplest things are often the best. You’ll find yourself turning to this deeply browned, super savoury pizza -made from simple ingredients that you likely have on hand already- more often than you can imagine.

Garlic pizza is perfection in its simplicity. It’s just pizza dough brushed with homemade garlic oil, sprinkled with parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

You bake it until bubbly, chewy, crusty on the bottom, and deeply browned on top. Hit it with a little more fresh parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped herbs.

Here’s where you swoon if you’re anything like me. It’s just so completely perfect.

This recipe isn’t just a great addition to meals, though. It is a total crowd pleaser that is sure to impress at your next pizza night with friends or potluck!

I’m content to serve this alongside an arugula salad and call it a day. This white pizza also makes an admirable accompaniment to lasagna soup, Tuscan Braised Beef (peposo), tortellini vegetable soup, and more.

Garlic Bread Pizza

Is it a garlic bread recipe? Is it pizza?

It’s a mix of the two; it’s garlic bread pizza or garlic pizza bread. Not thoroughly one or the other, it pulls the best of both classic recipes together for a fabulous dish that just happens to be vegetarian.

Let’s go over the list of ingredients and equipment needed for this ultra-breezy garlic pizza recipe. There are some easy switch-ins to accommodate what you do or don’t have available.

Ingredients

1. Pizza dough
2. All purpose flour
3. Cornmeal or semolina flour
4. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
5. Fresh garlic cloves
6. Extra virgin olive oil
7. Fresh herbs
8. Optional: crushed red chili flakes

When it comes to pizza dough, you have options! Feel free to use your favourite homemade pizza dough, store bought pizza dough, or dough purchased from your neighborhood pizzeria.

I do not recommend using the pop-open cans of pizza dough for our garlic pizza. It isn’t more budget-friendly than purchased dough or homemade dough, and it just plain doesn’t hold up well in this application.

You only need enough all-purpose flour to dust your counter and hands when you stretch the dough. The cornmeal or semolina is just there to serve as little ball bearings and allow the pizza dough to move more smoothly onto the pizza stone/steel or pan.

The cheese affords a little grace, too. I love this made with parmesan cheese, but it’s equally delicious made with romano or asiago cheese.

Most semi-hard cheeses are good options for our garlic pizza. I do strongly recommend using freshly grated cheese, though. It behaves better in the high heat environment of the oven.

Yes it’s a vegetarian pizza as is, but you can take a step back from that by adding anchovy fillets before baking. Conversely, you can make this a vegan garlic pizza by the easy swap of vegan parmesan cheese for the regular cheese.

I like to mince a mixture of whatever fresh herbs I have in the house to toss on the finished pizza right before serving. This is optional, but it really makes our garlic pizza next level!

Equipment

Again, we have options! I’ve broken it down into two lists; List #1 is for those with pizza stones or peels and List #2 is for those without them.

List #1

1. Standard home oven
2. Pizza steel or pizza stone
3. Pizza peel
4. Cutting board
5. Cheese grater
6. Chef’s knife
7. Optional but helpful: a pastry brush

List #2

1. Standard home oven
2. Pizza pan or sheet pan
3. Oven mitts
4. Cutting board
5. Cheese grater
6. Chef’s knife
7. Optional but helpful: a pastry brush

For the ultimate in home pizza making, it’s worth investing in a pizza steel. It helps your home oven more closely replicate the environment of a wood-fired pizza oven.

It holds and distributes the heat evenly throughout the oven in a way even a pizza stone can’t. A pizza stone is a close second best.

With either of those options, you’ll want a pizza peel to convey your uncooked pizza to the steel or stone and remove your cooked pizza from the oven. You can make do with a flat pan that has no edges, but a peel makes life much easier.

Garlic Pizza

Preheat the oven to 475°F.

Mix the minced garlic and olive oil together in a small bowl.

Stretch the dough ball into a roughly 10-inch to 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour.

Use a fork to fish as much of the raw garlic as possible from the oil and scatter it over the dough. Brush or drizzle about ⅔ of the olive oil evenly over the crust.

Sprinkle with all but about 1 tablespoon of the grated parmesan cheese.

Transfer the crust into the preheated oven (either on a baking sheet or onto a baking steel or stone) and bake until the crust is golden brown and the bottom is crisp, about 6-8 minutes with a steel or stone or 10-12 minutes with a pizza pan.

Brush the pizza crust with the remaining garlic oil and sprinkle with the reserved parmesan cheese and minced fresh herbs. Cut into wedges and serve hot, warm, or cold.

This is best the day it is made, but can be reheated in the air fryer or a moderate oven. To reheat in the air fryer, place it in the air fryer basket and reheat at 360ºF for 2 to 3 minutes.

To reheat in the oven, wrap your slices of garlic pizza loosely in foil and place in a cold oven. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. By the time the oven is hot, your pizza will be perfectly reheated.

*You can use homemade pizza dough or pizza dough which has been purchased from your grocery store or favourite pizzeria. I do not recommend making this with canned pizza dough, though.

If using frozen pizza dough, be sure it is thawed and thoroughly proofed before making your pizza with it.

References:

By: Rebecca
Title: Garlic Pizza
Sourced From: www.foodiewithfamily.com/garli... Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

• Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
• Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
• Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
• Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
• Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
• Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
• Diuretics (like Lasix)
• Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
• Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
• Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
• NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
• Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
• Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

What spices assist in recovery?

The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.

Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.

Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.

These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.

In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.

What herb is best for healing?

Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.

Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.

The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.

Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.

It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.

In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.

You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.

These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.

Which plant can heal wounds?

Plants are amazing creatures. They grow, they live, and they die. They make food, clean our air and water, and help keep us healthy. But plants also do more than that...they heal wounds.

Plants release molecules called phytochemicals when they are injured. These chemicals act as antioxidants, which protect cell membranes from damage and promote healing.

Phytochemicals found in plants include flavones (found in citrus fruits), terpenoids (present in mint leaves), and polyphenols (common in berries).

In addition to these protective compounds, plants contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates that support the body's natural processes of healing.

The best way to use plants to heal wounds is to consume them directly. However, there are ways to apply the power of plants to treat wounds without eating them.

First, soak a cotton ball in an extract from the St John's Wort herb. This product contains salicylic acid, which helps reduce inflammation.

Next, place the soaked cotton ball on the wound. Avoid applying the herb directly to open cuts, burns, or puncture wounds. If you feel any burning sensation, remove the herb immediately.

You may also find that placing a few drops of essential oil on the affected area promotes faster healing. Lavender essential oil reduces swelling and speed recovery; rosemary stimulates blood flow and increases circulation; peppermint relieves headaches and muscle aches.

If you want to try your hand at growing some of your medicinal herbs, here are some tips:

• Start with small pots, so you don't end up with too much of one particular type of plant.
• Grow several different types of herbs together. The same goes for flowers and vegetables. Mixing it up will ensure you get all the benefits of each plant.
• Use organic fertilizer if you're growing your herbs indoors. Non-organic fertilizers may be harmful to your health.
• Harvest regularly. You'll enjoy the freshness of homegrown herbs, but leave enough time between harvests to allow the soil to replenish itself.
• Be careful not to overwater your plants. Overly wet soil encourages mold growth, which isn't suitable for your herbs.
• Wash your hands after handling your herbs. You don't want to risk spreading bacteria onto your plants!

Statistics

• Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
• Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.

External Links

en.wikipedia.org

• Bouquet garni - Wikipedia

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

• Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury - Agarwal - 2010 - Journal of Applied Toxicology - Wiley Online Library

amazon.com

• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

mskcc.org

• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!

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