Sausage, Ricotta, and Fennel Pizza

Ingredients and Weight:

• Pizza dough: 1 pound (454 grams)
• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (245 grams)
• Italian sausage (pre-cooked): 8 links, sliced (approximately 1 pound)
• Fennel bulb: 1, thinly sliced (approximately 2 cups)
• Pizza sauce: ½ cup
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded or sliced
• Oregano: 1 tablespoon, dried
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 15-20 minutes
• Total: 45-50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the pizza dough according to the package instructions or your preferred method.
3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.
4. Slice the Italian sausage into thin rounds and arrange on a baking sheet. Heat for a few minutes in the oven to warm through. Keep warm.
5. Thinly slice the fennel bulb and arrange on another baking sheet. Roast for about 10 minutes or until slightly softened.
6. On a pizza pan or baking sheet, spread the pizza dough to form a circular pizza base.
7. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
8. Top with the roasted fennel slices, followed by the pre-cooked sausage slices.
9. Spread the ricotta mixture over the pizza, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Sprinkle with oregano.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: 24-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
• Protein: 20-25 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creative fusion of Italian flavors with a pizza base.
• Rich and flavorful, with a combination of sweet fennel, salty sausage, and creamy ricotta.
• Great for those who enjoy hearty pizza flavors with a unique twist.

User Comments:

• "This pizza was amazing! The combination of flavors was unique and really delicious."
• "I loved the fennel on this pizza, it added a nice crunch and flavor."
• "The ricotta cheese was so creamy and paired perfectly with the sausage."
• "The pizza dough was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
• "This is definitely a keeper recipe, I'll be making it again soon!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use pre-cooked Italian sausage to save time and ensure proper cooking of the pizza.
• Roasting the fennel beforehand enhances its flavor and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• Watch the pizza closely during baking as it can cook quickly and easily become overdone.