Pan-Fried Pizzas

Step 1

Make the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook until reduced by two-thirds and syrupy, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to let cool.

Step 2

Shape the crust: On a flat, lightly-floured surface, divide the dough into quarters. Roll each into a loose ball. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Working with one ball at a time, roll and gently stretch into an 8-inch round about 1/8-inch thick. (Note: You can also use a rolling pin, if easier.) Set aside, covering with the towel or plastic wrap.

Step 3

Cook the crusts: Heat 4 tablespoons oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the sprigs of thyme. Let cook until crispy, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the thyme sprigs to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside to cool, then pick the leaves off the stems. Reserve the leaves.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium. Working with one round of dough at a time, gently place the dough into the hot oil so that it lies flat in the skillet. Cook until the underside is browned and the edges are crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a pair of kitchen tongs or a heatproof spatula to flip the dough to the other side, taking care, as the oil is hot and can splatter. Cook until the crust looks crispy, another 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the crust to a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough, adding and heating more oil in the skillet as needed between batches.

Step 5

Prepare the tomatoes: In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes with some salt and pepper and set aside.

Step 6

Make the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, fried thyme leaves and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings.

Step 7

Assemble the pizzas: Transfer the crusts to a cutting board. Use the back of a kitchen spoon to spread the ricotta mixture evenly among the 4 pizzas. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle the basil and Pizzeria Salt over the ricotta. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Top with the tomatoes.

Step 8

Cut each pizza into slices with a pizza cutter or saw into pieces gently with a serrated knife. Serve immediately with another drizzle of balsamic and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and Pizzeria Salt.

Step 9

In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano and red pepper flakes.