Cherry Tomato Pancetta Pizza Recipes

CHERRY TOMATO & PANCETTA PIZZA

Steps:

• Empty the pizza dough into a bowl. Shred or chop the basil and stir half of it into the mixture along with 200ml warm water. Knead vigorously for 5 mins, then roll out into a 30cm round shape.
• Transfer to a floured baking sheet, rub the surface with olive oil and leave for 15 mins until risen. Push the cherry tomatoes, cut-side up, into the dough so the pizza is studded with them.
• Dry the mozzarella very thoroughly with kitchen paper, then cut into cubes. Scatter over the pizza along with the pancetta or bacon, then bake for 20 mins until risen, bubbling and golden. Tear over the remaining basil leaves.

PANCETTA AND ONION PIZZA

Steps:

• Put a pizza stone on the bottom rack in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees F for at least 30 minutes. Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the pancetta or bacon, cook until the fat renders but is short of being crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions; form each into a ball. Roll a portion into a 12-inch disk on a floured surface (cover the other piece with a kitchen towel). Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour and put the dough on the peel, drizzle lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt. Slip the dough onto the preheated stone and cook until just set, about 4 minutes. Using the peel, remove the dough from the oven and top with about half the sauce and toppings - pancetta, mozzarella, onion and garlic. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Return the pizza to the stone and cook until the crust is golden and the cheese melts, about 5 to 7 minutes more. Remove the pizza, top with half the grated Parmesan and scatter with some basil leaves and pepper flakes, if desired. Serve. Repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.
• Whisk water and sugar in a bowl and scatter the yeast over the top. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in olive oil. Whisk the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the liquid to make a rough, shaggy dough. Turn out onto a lightly-floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. If the dough seems wet, add just enough flour to prevent sticking. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Form the dough into a ball, rotate it around the bowl to coat and place it seam-side down in the bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Set aside at room temperature, until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours. Or cover and refrigerate overnight. If refrigerating bring to room temperature about 30 minutes before forming. Yield: Makes 1 1/2 pounds of dough, enough for 2 (12 inch) pies
• Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden but not dark brown, about 20 seconds. Using your hands, crush the tomatoes and add them to the pot along with 1/2 cup water, basil, and season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Serve.

PENNE WITH PANCETTA, ZUCCHINI, AND CHERRY TOMATOES TOPPED WITH CRUMBLED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large skillet set over moderate heat cook the onion in the olive oil, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the Pancetta and cook the mixture, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes more. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring, 2 minutes, or just until heated through. In a large bowl combine the pasta with the pancetta mixture, the goat cheese and the basil. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.;

LINGUINE WITH PANCETTA AND SAUTEED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook linguine in pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1 cup liquid. Return pasta to pot.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds. Add pancetta and crushed red pepper; sauté until pancetta is crisp, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes; sauté until soft, about 4 minutes.
• Transfer tomato mixture to pot with pasta. Add 3/4 cup cheese and 1/3 cup basil. Toss over medium heat until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta, adding cooking liquid by 1/4 cupfuls if dry. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with basil. Serve remaining cheese alongside.