Mediterranean Delight Piadine with Gorgonzola and Thai Basil
Experience a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors with this delightful piadine recipe. Featured in Marlena Spieler's celebrated cookbook 'Grilled Cheese,' this pizza-like creation brings together the creamy richness of fresh mozzarella, the tangy, bold character of Gorgonzola, and the aromatic zest of Thai or Vietnamese basil. Layered with ripe tomatoes and a hint of garlic, each bite is an explosion of flavor. Serve it hot from the oven, paired with a fresh salad for a perfectly satisfying lunch or snack.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium flour tortillas
4 (12-inch, or piadine)
tomato paste
3-4 tablespoons (for spreading)
ripe tomatoes
1 large (thinly sliced)
garlic clove
1-2 (chopped)
fresh mozzarella cheese
4-6 ounces (sliced)
Vietnamese basil or ordinary basil
12 leaves (fresh)
gorgonzola cheese
3 ounces (sliced or crumbled)
Parmesan cheese
2-3 tablespoons (freshly grated)
extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high.
2
Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3
Lay the piadine or flour tortillas flat on the baking sheets. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste evenly across each piadina, leaving a small border around the edges.
4
Layer the sliced tomatoes over the tomato paste, then sprinkle the chopped garlic evenly across each piadina.
5
Distribute the fresh mozzarella slices over the tomatoes, followed by the leaves of Thai or Vietnamese basil, and then the Gorgonzola slices or crumbles.
6
Finish with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil on top of the assembled piadine for added flavor.
7
Broil the piadine in the preheated oven for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, and the edges of the piadine are slightly crisp.
8
Once done, remove them from the oven, let cool slightly, and cut into wedges. Serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of side salad.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Piadine with Gorgonzola and Thai Basil?
It is a pizza-like fusion dish featuring creamy mozzarella, bold Gorgonzola, and aromatic Thai or Vietnamese basil on a thin piadine or tortilla base.
Which cookbook features this recipe?
This recipe is featured in Marlena Spieler's celebrated cookbook titled 'Grilled Cheese'.
What makes this recipe a fusion dish?
It combines traditional Mediterranean ingredients like mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and balsamic-adjacent flavors with Asian-inspired Thai or Vietnamese basil.
What can I use for the base of the piadine?
You can use 12-inch flour tortillas or authentic piadine.
How many flour tortillas are required?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized flour tortillas.
How much tomato paste should I use per piadina?
Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste evenly across each piadina, leaving a small border.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 to 2 chopped garlic cloves distributed evenly.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh mozzarella, Gorgonzola, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much fresh mozzarella is required?
You will need 4 to 6 ounces of sliced fresh mozzarella cheese.
Can I use ordinary basil if I don't have Thai basil?
Yes, you can use 12 leaves of either Vietnamese basil, Thai basil, or ordinary basil.
How much Gorgonzola cheese should I add?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of Gorgonzola cheese, either sliced or crumbled.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a finishing touch.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil is drizzled over the assembled piadine before broiling.
What is the recommended cooking method?
The piadine should be broiled in an oven on a high setting.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
How long do the piadine need to broil?
Broil them for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How do I know when the piadine are ready?
They are done when the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the piadine or tortillas are slightly crisp.
How should the piadine be served?
Let them cool slightly, cut them into wedges, and serve immediately.
What is a recommended side dish?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 30g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the Mediterranean Delight Piadine?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, it is described as a perfectly satisfying lunch or snack.
What is the order of layering for the toppings?
Layer tomato paste, then sliced tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella, basil, Gorgonzola, and finally Parmesan.
Can I use Vietnamese basil?
Yes, Vietnamese basil is specifically mentioned as a great option for its aromatic zest.
What is the broiler setting for this recipe?
The broiler should be set to high.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving size is not specified, the recipe uses 4 tortillas to create several wedges.