When the city of Pompeii was being excavated from the ashes of the 79 B.C.E. eruption of Vesuvius in the 1800s, archaeologists found evidence of first-century pizzas: flat flour-based loaves that were baked in ovens that were much like pizza ovens still in use in Italy today. According to Roman foodie Marcus Gavius Apicius, the pizzas were flat, somewhat hollowed-out loaves filled with pepper, oil, chicken, cheese and more.
Tomatoes were added in the Sixteenth Century, after explorers brought them home from Peru. Creative Italian cooks discovered that Mediterranean herbs added the perfect touch. As the pizza spread over the Continent and to the New World, the number of possible ingredients became limited only by the creativity of local chefs. Food traditions from all over the world have been grafted on the delicious, crusty base.
This pizza is a mix of old and new traditions. The crust is first century: the Feta and olives are found in the Greek Pizzas of New England. The use of hummus may be a bit more exotic, but it adds a real nutritional boost and an intriguing, spicy flavor. It is also quick and very easy.
Vegetarian Greek Pizza is a healthy treat which will add a new twist to your Pizza Night with family and friends. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Greek Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
Your favorite 12 to 14 inch round pizza crust, baked for 10 minutes at 450, still hot (a simple recipe is found here)
- 1 1/2 cups prepared hummus, as spicy as you like it
- 1 cup chopped cooked spinach,with salt and pepper to taste
- 1 thinly-sliced ripe tomato,any color, if desired
- 3/4 cup chopped Calamatra olives (black olives work well also)
- 1 cup Feta cheese, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup Mozzarella, Muenster or other mildly-flavored white cheese that melts well
(Topping amounts are approximate. Be sure to adjust amounts to your taste!)
Directions:
- Spread hummus on crust to the edges, cover with spinach.
- Cover with tomatoes, if you choose to add them.
- Dot with olives and Feta.
- Sprinkle white cheese over all.
- Return to the oven and bake for about ten minutes, or until the cheese is melted and light brown..
- Remove from the oven, let stand five minutes.
- Slice and enjoy!
Serving Suggestion:
This pizza is wonderful with a simple Greek Salad, probably without the Feta to avoid overload. Any tossed salad would work well, though.
This pizza can also be made on several layers of Phyllo (or filo) dough, with olive oil or butter between the layers. That makes a delicious appetizer when cut into small pieces.
