Squash blossoms have always epitomized the magic of summer to me. Like fireflies, they are quiet and fleeting – look away for a second and they disappear. That’s why, if I happen upon squash blossoms at the market, I rarely resist the urge to take them home – summer comes but once a year. Most recently, I found these beautiful pâtisson blossoms tucked away in a corner of a farmer’s stall, with their small squashes still attached, and had the idea to put them on a pizza.
I find that ricotta cheese combines very well with the subtle, flowery and pumpkin-like flavor of squash blossoms. In my cookbook, I have a recipe for Squash Blossom Ricotta Quiche, which happens to be one of my favorite dishes and photos in the whole book. I make my own goat milk ricotta cheese, which is a simple, satisfying process that everyone should try.
I generally prefer white pizza, as most pizza sauces are too salty for my taste. I thought the blossoms needed to be paired with some red, though, so I made my own pizza sauce, which was well worth the effort. The pizza crust is gluten free and vegan with the added bonus of shredded zucchini.
It has been an amazing two weeks since the release of The Vibrant Table, filled with wonderful news. First, PBS included the book in their list of this month’s best cookbooks. Then, we made it on Amazon’s list of Best Cookbooks of the Year, So Far, among nineteen outstanding authors. But most importantly, these past weeks have been filled with the kindest reader feedback that I could never even dream about. The best reward for all of the hard work and sleepless nights is to hear about you trying out and enjoying the recipes. If you are in fact one of those people, I would be forever grateful if you would leave a book review in order to help others make their choice.
Squash Blossom Pizza
for the tomato sauce
(makes about 2 cups)
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 garlic cloves – minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
about 1 lb diced plum tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar
pinch red pepper flakes
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
to make the sauce
1. Warm olive oil in a deep pan over medium low heat. Add in garlic and oregano and let sweat for about a minute.
2. Increase the heat to medium. Add tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3 Reduce the heat to bring sauce to a simmer. Simmer for 90 minutes. Let cool.
for the crust (gluten free and vegan)
(makes one large pizza crust)
1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoon almond milk – divided
1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar
1/2 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/2 tablespoon ground chia or flax seeds
3/4 cup (105 g) buckwheat flour (I used sprouted homemade flour)
1/2 cup (60g) tapioca starch
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing the blossoms
1 small zucchini – finely shredded (optional)
for the topping
tomato sauce from above
8-10 or more squash or zucchini blossoms
sliced baby squashes/zucchini – if attached to the blossoms
about 3/4 cup goat milk ricotta
to make the pizza
1. Warm 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of almond milk to 110 F (43C). Add in sugar and yeast, whisk together and leave for 10 minutes. The mixture should be very foamy.
2. Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of almond milk with the ground chia seeds. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a stand up mixer with a paddle attachment or a food processor, combine the yeasty mixture, chia gel and the rest of the ingredients. Mix until well combined into a runny dough.
4. If using shredded zucchini, transfer the dough into a mixing bowl. Squeeze the extra liquid out of the zucchini with your hands. Mix it into the pizza dough.
5. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and oil it lightly. With a wet spoon, spread and shape your crust into an even thickness. Let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
6. Bake for 20 minutes (15 if without zucchini). Increase temperature to 400 F (200 C). Spread on the sauce (you don’t have to use all of it), arrange the blossoms, sliced squash (if using) and ricotta on top. Lightly brush the blossoms with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes or a little longer until the edges are slightly golden.
7. Let cool slightly. Top with your favorite greens or sprouts/microgreens, slice and serve immediately.
Katrina @ WVS says
So excited that your book is out! Plus, this recipe looks absolutely lovely!!
Anya says
Thank you Katrina!
Kathryn says
I never really know what to do with squash blossoms, other than admire how pretty they are, but this pizza sounds absolutely perfect!
Anya says
Kathryn, thank you! I didn’t know about their culinary purpose up until only a few years ago, but now I’m ready to put them on everything.
Aleksandra says
I’ve had your cookbook about a week now and it has been a constant companion in my kitchen and at my bedside. I can’t describe how much I love it. You have managed to create a cookbook that nourishes the tastebuds and soul and all packaged in a most delightful and artistic manner. All I can say is: Bravo!!!
Anya says
Aleksandra, you have no idea how much this means to me! You really made my day!
Chelsea thenakedfig says
Looks delicious! And I love that you added zucchini to the crust. You are such an inspiration to me!
Anya says
Thank you so much Chelsea, as always, it means a lot coming from you.
Kari @ cooking with toddlers says
I’m currently obsessed with squash blossoms. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Anya says
Kari, you won’t be disappointed!
Amy @ parsleyinmyteeth says
It’s hard to come up with new ideas for using squash blossoms. Your creation is beautiful and mouth-watering just to look at. Congrats on all of the success your book is having!
Anya says
Thank you Amy! As always, I appreciate the kind feedback and support!
Steve says
What a great idea. The pizza looks delicious!
Anya says
Thanks Steve!
melissa @ my whole food life says
This looks amazing! I have been looking for a gluten free pizza crust recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Anya says
Thank you Melissa, hope you enjoy the pizza!
shanna mallon says
So happy for you, Anya! Rooting for you all the way. Also! This pizza! The crust sounds fascinating … hoep to try it soon!
Anya says
Thank you so much for your support Shanna!
Amanda - A Cookie Named Desire says
This sounds amazing! A couple of years ago, I tried to grow squash. For months, flowers would bloom, then disappear because rabbits were eating them. At the time, I had no idea how delicious the flowers actually were. Next time, I will probably fence in my flowering squash and maybe even harvest some for myself.
Your photos are beautiful (pinning) and this pizza needs to be in my belly right this moment.
Katie says
Anya, such wonderful news that your book is getting such amazing feedback, especially from a giant like Amazon! That must be so rewarding. I love it and will be cooking from it again and again, I’m sure.
xo,
Katie
thefolia says
Viva la Neapolitan style pizza–we can’t get enough of it! I have some blossoms growing now in my garden headed out to pluck a few for this delicious recipe. Happy Nesting.