High Liner has quality smoked salmon! You know it’s quality after one slice.  Expertly cured, and smoked, without being overly salty.  It’s also pre-sliced to the perfect thinness. 

This pizza is a combination of sweet, savory and smokey.  Tomato pesto sauce, caramelized red onions, goat cheese and smoked salmon.  The smoked salmon is applied after the pizza comes out of the oven.  It’s finished with a bit of baby arugula, drizzled with olive oil and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.  Pure niceness! 

Here is what you need:

• Medium size pizza dough
• 4oz thick pizza sauce
• 1tbs basil pesto
• Soft Goat cheese
• 1 medium red onion sliced
• 2oz red wine vinegar
• 1.5 tbs sugar
• Baby arugula
• Olive oil
• 1/2 lemon

Techniques:

Heat a pan with a bit of vegetable oil and allow it to get smokin hot.  Add in the onions and allow them to caramelize.  Try not to move them around to much in the beginning.  After a few moments add in the sugar and toss.  Shortly after add in the red wine vinegar.  When the vinegar has almost all evaporated it’s time to remove the onions from the pan.

They should look nice and vibrant, and taste sweet with a hint of sourness.  They should still have a bit of firmness to them.  Once they are cool, place them in the fridge for service.  When the customer orders this pizza, assembly is very simple. 

Mix the tomato sauce and pesto together (this can also be done ahead of time) and spread evenly onto the pizza dough.  I’m using a multigrain crust.  Next spread the red onions followed by the goat cheese.  I’m using a fork to help crumble the goat cheese onto the pizza.  I find this is the best way, as the goat cheese sticks to fingers easily. 

After a nice thin layer of goat cheese it’s time for the oven.

Smoked salmon has a unique taste and texture and requires no further cooking.  Applying the smoked salmon after the pizza comes out of the oven is a thoughtful touch, which your customers will appreciate, and is worth noting in the menu description.   Top with a bit of baby arugula, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. 

These ingredients can also be used on a flatbread for a great sharable appetizer!  A few thin slices of avocado……the posibilities are endless. 

Happy Cooking & Plating!