Fresh, vibrant veggies are the hallmark of the Ortolana pizza. The Pizzaiolo’s Element iQ® system ensures a light, crisp base with just a little chew n’ char while the eggplant and zucchini stay tender. Bright cherry tomatoes and creamy slices of fior di latte crown this slice of the Mediterranean.
1To make the pizza dough, place the flour, salt and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix to combine. Add the water and knead on low speed for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2Transfer the dough to a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to proof in a warm, draft-free place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Tip: If you have a Breville oven with a proof function; set to 86°F and proof for 1 hour.
3Turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop and divide into 4 even pieces, approximately 8½ oz each. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
4Sprinkle a proofing box or deep sided container with semolina. Place the dough balls in the box, leaving 4-inches between them. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 5 days.
5An hour before cooking, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
6To prepare the zucchini and eggplant, cut the zucchini and eggplant, crosswise into ¼ -inch thick slices. Place in a bowl, add the salt and oil and toss well to coat. Cook the zucchini and eggplant, in batches on a preheated grill pan for a couple of minutes, or until cooked through with visible grill marks. Transfer to a paper towel lined tray.
7About 20 minutes before the dough has finished resting, preheat the oven. Select the Wood Fired setting. Turn the Darkness dial to the Darker setting and select 2 minutes on the Timer dial. Meanwhile, make the pizza sauce.
8To make the pizza sauce, place the tomatoes, oil, garlic, oregano, salt and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), in a large liquid measuring cup. Process with an immersion blender until smooth.
9Once preheated, sprinkle semolina on the countertop. Place one of the dough balls on the countertop. Sprinkle semolina over the dough. Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out. Gently press out the dough working from the center into a 10-inch round, leaving a ½-inch border. Lightly sprinkle the pizza peel with semolina. Carefully transfer the dough onto the pizza peel.
10For each pizza, leaving a small border, spread with a quarter of the pizza sauce. Scatter with 1/4 cup mozzarella, then top with a quarter each of the eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and fior di latte. Finish with ¼ cup mozzarella.
11Place the pizza in the oven, press the Timer dial and cook for 2 minutes, or until the crust is spotted brown and the cheese has melted.
12Transfer to a cutting board. Slice and serve scattered with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.