For the tomato sauce, place a heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Add the olive oil and once hot, add the onion, celery, carrot and parsley. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
2 tbsp of parsley
2
Next, add the garlic, turn up heat up to full and cook for a few minutes, while stirring. Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce by half. Then add the tomatoes, tomato purée and oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
4 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
2 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
1 tsp tomato purée
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3
Season well with salt and pepper, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens and concentrates in flavour. Finish with the basil, check the seasoning and adjust accordingly. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before using
2 tbsp of basil, finely chopped
salt
black pepper
4
Preheat the oven to 240˚C/gas mark 9. Prepare the pizza base and add a thin layer of the tomato sauce leaving a 2-3cm gap around the edge. Arrange the olives and mozzarella evenly around the pizza
1 pizza base
60g of buffalo mozzarella
5 olives, mixed
5
If you have access to a wood fired oven the pizza will cook in 3-4 minutes at 365˚C, otherwise place in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is just bubbling and the base is crispy
6
Remove the pizza from the oven and finish with the baby spinach, oregano, Parmesan shavings, egg, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately