Eggplant Pizza

So, I am not one to make homemade pizza all the time, or at all. When we have pizza we usually order it, but this time I followed Pioneer Woman's recipe for"Favorite Pizza" and it was AMAZING. I never thought how yummy the combo of cheese, roasted eggplants and tomatoes could be. This was also my first time making the pizza so I wasn't planning on blogging about it and did not take step by step pictures. Although if you want step by step instruction photos, click here. In her recipe she also makes her own pizza dough which I did not this time. If like me, you are looking for a quicker version it is fine to use store pizza dough or you can go all out and make your own. Her recipe for the pizza dough makes two crusts, so you can make the pizza and store the other half for a later time when you make pizza. In here, I will just give you the recipe for the actual pizza.

Pioneer Woman's Favorite Pizza

Adapted from: Pioneer Woman

Here is what you will need:

• 1 whole Large Eggplant (or Two Medium Eggplants)
• Kosher Salt, For Sprinkling
• 1 pint Grape Tomatoes
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 8 ounces, weight Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Very Thin
• ½ cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Drizzling
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1. Preheat oven broiler

2. Slice the eggplant thinly. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and place into a strainer in the sink. Allow to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse eggplant lightly in cold water, then pat the slices dry between layers of paper towels.

3. Slice grape tomatoes in half lengthwise and toss into a bowl with minced garlic.

4. Slice mozzarella very thinly.

5. Cut eggplant slices into fourths, and toss with olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and place 8 inches under the broiler.

6.Broil for 3 minutes, then toss around and broil another 3 minutes. Remove pan from oven and add tomato/garlic mixture. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove and set aside. (May do this 1 hour in advance.)

7. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

8. Drizzle olive oil on a large baking sheet and use fingers to coat thoroughly. . Stretch pizza dough into a large rectangle, pressing with fingers to finish forming. Dough will be very thin.

9, Lightly drizzle a little olive oil on the dough and use fingers to spread. Lay mozzarella slices over the surface of the dough. Spread vegetables all over the surface of the cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese.

10. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from pan and slice with a pizza cutter. Serve immediately!