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$13.59 (as of November 22, 2024 15:26 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Savor your pizza like never before with the delightful twist of lemon, and take a cue from none other than chef extraordinaire Ina Garten. You may be used to traditional toppings, but the Barefoot Contessa herself is “obsessed” with white pizza adorned with fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan, brightened by a squeeze of lemon. This zesty touch enhances the nutty, buttery cheeses, making each bite a revelation. Whether it’s a homemade masterpiece or a frozen favorite, a dash of lemon will elevate your pizza game to gourmet levels. Enjoy this Ina Garten-approved treat, and experience a refreshing, citrusy harmony in every slice. Have you ever tried a pizza topped with lemon? Whether you’re a pizza purist or someone who loves experimenting with flavors, there’s an unexpected combination that’s making waves – and it has the Barefoot Contessa’s seal of approval. Yes, we’re talking about white pizza with lemon, a trend that’s garnering attention in the Hamptons and should definitely be on your must-try list.
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Why Lemon on Pizza?
You might be skeptical – lemon on a pizza? It sounds outlandish at first, but during the summer months or for a refreshing twist, lemon can work wonders. This unique pizza variation balances the rich, creamy cheeses with the sharp zing of citrus, creating a harmonious culinary experience that dances on your palate.
The Ina Garten Seal of Approval
When it comes to culinary recommendations, Ina Garten’s opinion is gold. Recently, she praised a particular white pizza with lemon from Fini Pizza in the Hamptons, describing herself as “obsessed.” This endorsement isn’t something to be taken lightly, given Garten’s impeccable taste and expertise. Her Instagram post highlighted the simplicity and elegance of the dish, which features fontina, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, all enhanced by fresh lemon juice.
What Makes This Pizza Special?
In a world where tomato sauce is the typical base, white pizza stands out by being sauceless. This lack of tomato acidity allows for a more versatile base that pairs beautifully with lemon. The lemon juice brightens the nutty, buttery blend of cheeses, further enhancing their inherent richness.
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Recreate Your Own White Pizza with Lemon
Feeling inspired to make this at home? It’s easier than you might think! Like Ina Garten’s recommendation, you can start with a traditional base of cheese and then add your own lemon flair. Here are a few ways to get started:
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Fontina cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- One fresh lemon (for juice and zest)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Prepare Your Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
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Cheese Layer: Spread a mix of shredded fontina, mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses evenly over the dough.
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Zest the Lemon: Grate some lemon zest over the cheese layer for an initial burst of citrusy flavor.
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Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F until the crust is golden and the cheeses are bubbly and starting to brown (about 10-15 minutes).
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Lemon Juice Finish: Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pizza for that perfect zing.
This basic recipe can be a canvas for your own innovations. Don’t be afraid to add garlic for more depth or a sprinkle of arugula tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, peppery bite.
Exploring Variations with Lemon
Craving some variety with your white pizza and lemon? Here are a few delightful variations that incorporate lemon in different ways:
Lemon Vinaigrette on Salad Pizza
A simple way to incorporate lemon is by making a salad pizza. Use ricotta cheese as your base; it pairs beautifully with the light, fresh flavor of lemon. After baking, top your pizza with mixed greens dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. This combination brings a wonderful balance of savory and tangy to each bite.
Spinach Artichoke Pizza with Lemon Zest
Consider a richer base with a spinach artichoke pizza. Whip up a velvety sauce using heavy cream, blue cheese, cream cheese, and spinach. Before spreading the sauce on the dough, stir in some lemon zest to cut through the richness and add an extra layer of flavor.
French Bread White Pizza with Lemon-Artichoke Sauce
For a unique twist, try a French bread white pizza topped with a lemon-artichoke sauce. The sauce, made with sautéed artichokes, anchovy filets, toasted pine nuts, and a squeeze of lemon, provides an upscale flair that’s both savory and refreshing.
Example Recipe: Lemon-Artichoke Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Artichokes (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Anchovy filets | 2-3 pieces |
| Pine nuts (toasted) | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon (juice & zest) | 1 whole lemon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
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Sauté Artichokes: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the sliced artichokes until they are tender.
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Add Flavors: Add minced garlic and anchovy filets, continuing to sauté until fragrant.
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Finish with Lemon: Stir in the toasted pine nuts, and finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of zest.
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Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle this sauce over a baked French bread white pizza for a gourmet touch.
Benefits of Lemon on Pizza
Not only does lemon enhance the flavor, but it also offers some health benefits. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which supports your immune system and skin health. The antioxidants in lemons can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Enhancing Flavors
Lemon’s acidity helps to balance heavier ingredients like cheeses and cream. It cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing contrast that prevents the palate from becoming overwhelmed by the fats.
Versatile Pairing
Lemon pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients. From seafood to greens to rich cheeses, its zesty punch enhances and complements many flavors. Experiment with toppings to find your perfect citrus-infused pizza creation.
Restaurants Spotlight: Fini Pizza in the Hamptons
If you’re ever in the Hamptons and want to try this culinary delight without the effort of making it yourself, head over to Fini Pizza. It’s the very place Ina Garten herself recommended, and they’re known for their fantastic white pizza with lemon.
What to Expect at Fini Pizza:
- Ambiance: Casual, beach-town vibe with a hint of sophistication.
- Menu: Apart from the famous white pizza with lemon, they offer an array of delicious pizzas that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- Location: Conveniently located, making it a perfect stop after a day at the beach or shopping.
Conclusion
White pizza with lemon is more than just a trend; it’s a refreshing culinary experience that balances rich, creamy flavors with the bright, zesty notes of citrus. Thanks to Ina Garten’s endorsement, this pizza variant is getting the recognition it deserves. Whether you opt to visit Fini Pizza in the Hamptons or experiment in your kitchen at home, this is one treat you won’t want to miss.
So next time you think of ordering or making pizza, think beyond the traditional red sauce and give white pizza with lemon a chance. It might just become your new favorite way to enjoy this beloved dish. Happy cooking!
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