GRILLED PIZZA WITH PEARS, FRESH PECORINO, AND WALNUTS

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Grilled Pizza with Pears, Fresh Pecorino, and Walnuts image

Provided by Cristina Ceccatelli Cook

Categories     Cheese     High Fiber     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Lunch     Pear     Walnut     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes about 4 pizzas

Number Of Ingredients 12

Crusts:
1 1/4 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
Pinch of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 3/4 cups (or more) bread flour, divided
Toppings:
12 ounces Brinata or aged Manchego cheese
2 pears (about), halved, cored, very thinly sliced
2/3 cup walnut pieces, coarsely broken
Freshly cracked black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • For crusts:
  • Pour 1 1/4 cups warm water into large bowl. Add sugar; sprinkle yeast evenly over and stir to blend. Let stand until yeast dissolves and mixture looks spongy, about 10 minutes. Mix in salt, then 2 1/2 cups flour. Stir until shaggy-looking dough forms. Sprinkle work surface with 1/4 cup flour; turn dough out onto work surface. Knead dough until smooth and only slightly sticky, adding more flour if very sticky, about 8 minutes. Dust dough all over with flour. Place in clean large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours. For toppings: Thinly slice cheese; arrange atop crusts, leaving 1/2-inch plain border. Cover cheese with single layer of pear slices (there may be some pear left over), then scatter walnuts over. Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Working in batches if necessary, transfer pizzas to grill. Cover and cook until cheese softens and crust is golden on bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer pizzas to work surface. Sprinkle with pepper; drizzle with oil. Cut into wedges and serve. Ingredient tip: This recipe calls for Brinata, a specific kind of pecorino fresco. Pecorino fresco is a fresh sheep' smilk cheese that is milder in taste and softer than Pecorino Toscano or Pecorino Romano. Look for pecorino fresco at your local cheese shop or purchase it online from murrays cheese.com or agferrari.com. Manchego cheese, which is also made from sheep's milk, is a good substitute. What to drink: In keeping with the spirit of this menu, pour Tuscan wines. Try a Tuscan white with the pizza. We like the citrus and floral notes of the 2006 Bibi Graetz "Casamatta" Bianco ($9).
  • Knead dough down. Dust lightly with flour. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Place on work surface. Cover dough with kitchen towel and let rest 30 minutes.
  • Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Working with 1 dough piece at a time, stretch and roll out on lightly floured surface to 9- to 10-inch round. Grill until beginning to color, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer crusts to baking sheets. DO AHEAD: Pizza crusts can be made 6 hours ahead. Let crusts stand at room temperature.
  • For toppings:
  • Thinly slice cheese; arrange atop crusts, leaving 1/2-inch plain border. Cover cheese with single layer of pear slices (there may be some pear left over), then scatter walnuts over.
  • Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Working in batches if necessary, transfer pizzas to grill. Cover and cook until cheese softens and crust is golden on bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer pizzas to work surface. Sprinkle with pepper; drizzle with oil. Cut into wedges and serve.
  • Ingredient tip:
  • This recipe calls for Brinata, a specific kind of pecorino fresco. Pecorino fresco is a fresh sheep' smilk cheese that is milder in taste and softer than Pecorino Toscano or Pecorino Romano. Look for pecorino fresco at your local cheese shop or purchase it online from murrays cheese.com or agferrari.com. Manchego cheese, which is also made from sheep's milk, is a good substitute.

Brezzy G
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I'm not a huge fan of pizza, but this recipe changed my mind. This pizza is amazing!


Me bellal Khan
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This is a great recipe for a vegetarian pizza. It's packed with flavor and the crust is cooked to perfection.


Paul East
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I love the combination of flavors in this pizza. The pears and walnuts are a great touch.


happy rose
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This is a delicious and easy-to-make pizza. I highly recommend it.


Muhammad Jamal
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I've made this pizza several times and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up leftover pears.


David Scruggs
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This pizza is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.


Patty Chrystian
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I made this pizza for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it.


Chulu Poswa
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This is a great recipe for a summer pizza. The grilled pears are a nice touch.


Azariah TAU
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I love this pizza! The combination of flavors is amazing.


Eduardo Cuevas
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This pizza is easy to make and it's so delicious. I highly recommend it.


Xakkamug Mugmug
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I'm not usually a fan of pears on pizza, but this recipe changed my mind. The pears were perfectly grilled and added a touch of sweetness to the pizza.


Soobunnyzeditz
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This is one of the best pizzas I've ever had. The flavors are incredible and the crust is cooked to perfection.


Jurist Masoga
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I made this pizza last night and it was a hit! My friends loved it. The crust was crispy and the toppings were delicious.


DonDon Squad
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This pizza was amazing! The combination of the sweet pears, salty pecorino, and crunchy walnuts was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.