Caramelized Onion + Feta Pizza

There is nothing better than homemade pizza and a nice glass of red wine! Over the years I have experimented with the different ways to make pizza dough and with various toppings. One of my favourite concoctions is my caramelized onion and feta pizza. It has the perfect combination of garlic and feta cheese. Also, the sweetness from the caramelized onions and balsamic glaze creates delicious savoury and sweet flavours. 

 What is great about this pizza recipe is you can add ingredients as you wish. For example, I sometimes like to add sweet potatoes if I am looking for something a little more hearty. Regardless, this recipe is definitely one I like to make when I have a free day as the prep and cook time is roughly three hours. 

Hot out of the oven this pizza pairs perfectly with a nice glass of Shiraz! Shiraz is one of my go-to wines that I enjoy sharing with a meal or just sipping with good friends. Shiraz, traditionally known as Syrah, is one of the darkest red wines with fruity and peppery aromas. While I find it pairs perfectly with this pizza, you may also enjoy a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with this recipe.

Caramelized Onion and Feta Pizza

Ingredients:

Pizza Dough:

1 tablespoon dry yeast

1 1/4 cup of warm water

3.5 cups of all purpose flour

1/2 cup of whole wheat flour

A pinch of salt

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoon of honey

Sauce:

4 garlic cloves minced

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan

Toppings:

1 onion sliced and caramelized

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup feta cheese

1/3 cup fresh basil

Drizzled balsamic glaze

Instructions:

For the dough, in a medium bowl add 1 cup of warm water and a small package (1 tablespoon) of dry yeast. Allow the yeast to sit in the warm water for 10 minutes. You will know when the yeast has been activated when it starts to froth. In a large bowl add flour and salt. Mix in olive oil, honey and yeast and water. Using your hands mix the dough until it comes together. Lightly flour a clean counter top and place the dough mixture on it. Kneed the dough until is becomes smooth, shiny and elastic. Place the dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp paper towel and place in a cool spot. Allow to rise for 1-2 hours or until the dough doubles in size. Roll out and place on pizza cooking sheet. 

For the sauce, mince garlic and mix with olive oil and freshly grated parmesan. Spread evenly over dough. 

For the toppings, in a large saucepan slowly simmer onions with butter until golden brown. It usually takes 45 minutes. Spread onions over pizza dough, crumble feta and add fresh basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze and bake for 30 minutes at 350 °F. Allow to cool and serve with your favourite glass of red wine!

The prep and cook time is roughly 3 hours. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Cheers,

Kathryn Thompson