Description
The Sardine Margherita is a bold and unique pizza combining rich sardines with fresh basil and tangy tomato sauce balanced on a crispy crust. This gourmet twist on the classic Margherita offers a perfect harmony of oceanic flavors and garden-fresh vibrancy, ideal for seafood lovers and adventurous eaters alike. Quick to prepare and packed with omega-3s and protein, it makes a nutritious and impressive addition to any pizza night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 fresh or store-bought pizza dough
Sauce
- 1/2 cup tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce
Cheese
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Toppings
- 1 can high-quality sardines packed in olive oil, drained
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Whether thin and crispy or thicker and chewy, this forms the perfect base for your Sardine Margherita.
- Spread the Tomato Sauce: Using a spoon, evenly spread a generous layer of tangy tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. This bright sauce balances the richness of the sardines.
- Add Fresh Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella and distribute it evenly across the sauced dough. The cheese will melt into creamy pockets that complement the bold sardine flavor.
- Arrange the Sardines: Carefully drain the sardines and place them gently over the mozzarella, spacing them evenly to ensure each slice gets a good amount of oceanic richness.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling beautifully.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for an aromatic, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality sardines packed in olive oil for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Do not overload the pizza with toppings to avoid sogginess and ensure even baking.
- Always preheat your oven well to achieve a crispy crust and nicely melted cheese.
- Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- Experiment with dough thickness to find the perfect crust texture to pair with sardines.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg