In the hustle and bustle of modern life, one thing we all lack is time. We are always busy, and we relegate relax only to specific times of our day (and year). There is always the last-minute commitment, the unexpected event that keeps us longer at work or the traffic that delays our return home. And so, even an enjoyable event like preparing something good for ourselves or our loved ones becomes a race against time.
Quality or speed? The “ready meal” dilemma
Lack of time to cook is a common problem. The market offers many solutions with ready meals, ideal for situations such as a spontaneous aperitivo or the arrival of an unexpected guest. But if speed is not an issue, what about quality? How willing are you to compromise to create something passable in 10 minutes?
Among the winning characteristics of pinsa is the quick preparation. Or rather, the mix of speed and craftsmanship of the product, with a quality just as that of a product right from a pinseria or pizzeria. All with 5 minutes in the oven or with a little more (+2 minutes) if you start with the frozen product, which has the benefit of very long shelf life (18 months) and therefore maximum convenience, as well as the beneficial effect on the issue of food waste.
Our pinsa does not compromise in terms of quality, and is therefore an extraordinary option when you are short on time, want to improvise something good or amaze people with your creativity. The idea of a selection of quick pinsa recipes comes from this.
Pinsa quick recipes: 5 irresistible options
When you find yourself having to prepare something tasty in just 10 minutes, it is important to be a little prepared. Otherwise, you run the risk of randomly fishing from the fridge without giving it much thought: maybe it’s okay, but not necessarily. Since people on average avoid taking risks, we chose from a hypothetical pinsa recipe book seven very fast (10 minutes, including cooking) options that cannot disappoint.
Pinsa Margherita
A quick and delicious option for those who like classic flavours. On the precooked base, lay a few slices of fresh tomato, add pieces of quality buffalo mozzarella and, finally, garnish with fresh basil, but don’t forget a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil before serving. It is a traditional recipe, easy to make and known to most; therefore, you can always expect the best. Success depends mainly on the quality of the ingredients.
Pinsa prosciutto and arugula
For a burst of flavour in less than 10 minutes, you can opt for a classic pinsa prosciutto and arugula. Cook the pinsa for the usual 5 to 7 minutes, and in the meantime, you can prepare the ingredients and drinks. Then, cover the pinsa base with slices of prosciutto, plenty of fresh arugula, a few shaves of Parmesan cheese and, to further enrich it, a few cherry tomatoes cut in half. You will thus get a mix of fresh and intense flavours, strictly in a matter of minutes.
Vegetarian Pinsa
Vegetarian Pinsa is perfect for those who want a light, delicate and quick meal. The recipe depends, of course, on the vegetables already available at home: one idea can be to distribute on the pinsa halved cherry tomatoes, thin strips of colourful bell peppers, grilled eggplant and mozzarella cubes. The latter, besides enriching the flavour of the dish, also make it softer and more palatable.
Pinsa caprese
Another extraordinary dish of the Italian tradition, known for its freshness and quick preparation, is Pinsa caprese, which is perfect especially during the warm season. To make it, simply spread a few thin slices of tomato, chunks or balls of mozzarella and fresh basil on the base of the pinsa after cooking. For a touch of innovation, which doesn’t hurt, you can season it with a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
Pinsa with four cheeses
This is a transposition of one of the most well-known, eaten and appreciated pizzas in Italy. Provided you have all the ingredients, namely mozzarella, fontina, gorgonzola and parmigiano reggiano, it is a very tasty dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes, perfect for an aperitivo but also as a main course for lunch or dinner. You can also make it more innovative (but be careful not to overdo it) with a sweet touch given by a drizzle of honey and top it with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for an extra crunch.
Innovative 10-minute recipes
The chapter of quick pinsa recipes includes alternative ideas to the usual dishes, because being creative is right. Here, of course, imagination is the only limit, but we’d like to give you a few suggestions to start with.
As a first option, you could imagine a Mediterranean pinsa with cherry tomatoes, feta, olives and oregano, or a pinsa with grilled chicken, red onions, cheese and barbecue sauce, all ready in a jiffy. We may be on the 10-minutes limit here, but with a little experience you can make it.
The versatility of pinsa allows you to experiment with intriguing pairings. For example, pinsa with pesto, fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes can be a jubilation of freshness, while a great combination (watch the proportions) of brie, pears, walnuts, and honey could create an irresistible mix of sweet and savoury.
One thing is certain: it’s worth a try. Even today.