Description
Ladenia, a rustic Greek pizza, showcases the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine with its olive oil-drenched dough and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for sharing, this island specialty will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Kimolos with its authentic flavors and irresistible charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (410 g) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups lukewarm water
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon castor (superfine) sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oregano, ground in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 0.75 cup (3.5 ounces or 100 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast mixture by whisking yeast, sugar, and warm water in a spacious mixing vessel, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate flour, olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture, kneading with a wooden utensil to create a supple, elastic dough. Adjust liquid or flour proportions if the consistency appears too dry or sticky.
- Generously coat an 11-inch circular baking pan with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
- Gently transfer the prepared dough into the greased pan, utilizing fingertips to delicately spread and ease the dough towards the pan’s perimeter.
- Shield the dough with a moistened kitchen towel, permitting it to rise and expand for half an hour in a warm environment.
- Assemble the topping by combining ripe tomatoes, sliced onions, fragrant oregano, and olive oil in a preparation bowl. Carefully fold in salt and optional olives, maintaining the tomatoes’ structural integrity.
- Calibrate the oven temperature to 400°F, allowing it to thoroughly preheat.
- Revisit the risen dough, tenderly stretching and creating textural dimples across its surface using fingertips.
- Distribute crumbled feta cheese evenly across the dough’s landscape.
- Artfully arrange the prepared tomato mixture atop the cheese-covered surface.
- Position the pizza in the preheated oven, baking for 30-40 minutes until the base achieves a golden-brown complexion and the edges develop a crisp texture.
- Extract the ladenia from the oven, allow brief cooling, then slice into wedges for serving. Relish the robust Mediterranean flavors at warm or ambient temperatures.
Notes
- Master the art of stretching dough using fingertips, creating a canvas that celebrates the rich, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean.
- Embrace the spontaneity of traditional cooking by allowing the dough to rise naturally and letting tomatoes and onions mingle with fragrant olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg