Ingredients:
- Pizza dough: 1 ready-made or homemade ball
- Tomatoes: 4 large, sliced
- Tea Rubs: 2 tablespoons (a blend of black tea leaves, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar)
- Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: a handful, torn
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, dried oregano, garlic powder, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest setting, ideally around 500°F (260°C) for a crisp crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet if you don't have a stone.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the pizza dough with olive oil.
- Arrange Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices on the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Season the Tomatoes: Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and the prepared tea rubs.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Basil and Parmesan: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the pizza, complementing the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding other toppings like thinly sliced red onions, olives, or prosciutto.
- This Tomato Pizza with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend lunch. The addition of tea rubs creates a unique and flavorful twist on a classic pizza.