School lunch pizza, a beloved classic, often evokes nostalgia for simpler times. But today, we’re taking this humble dish on a global culinary adventure. By blending flavors from diverse cultures, we’ll transform this familiar food into a masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Base:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
1 cup crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
A pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Toppings:
Sliced pepperoni
Sliced bell peppers
Chopped red onions
Fresh basil leaves
A drizzle of balsamic glaze
A sprinkle of feta cheese
Copycat Lunch Lady Pizza
Image Source: foodtasticmom.com
Preparation Process:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, warm water, and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, red onions, and fresh basil leaves.
4. Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza on a preheated baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with feta cheese.
Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Total Time Required:
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Serving Ideas:
Elegant Presentation: Serve individual slices on a slate board, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Family-Style Feast: Present the entire pizza on a wooden board, accompanied by a side salad and garlic bread.
Picnic Perfection: Pack individual slices in a lunchbox, along with a side of fruit and a bottle of water.
Cultural Influences:
This pizza is a fusion of flavors from around the world:
Italian: The base of the pizza, with its tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, is a classic Italian dish.
Mediterranean: The addition of fresh herbs like basil and oregano, as well as olives and feta cheese, brings a Mediterranean flair.
American: The use of pepperoni and a variety of toppings is a quintessential American pizza style.
By blending these diverse culinary traditions, we’ve created a dish that is both familiar and exciting, a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
