FEATURE RECIPE: MARINARA PIZZA FROM CHEF ROCCO AGOSTINO!

This month’s feature recipe comes from Chef Rocco Agostino!

Marinara pizza is an authentic Neapolitan style pizza recipe protected under DOP, and is cheeseless so it highlights the fresh herbs and GARLIC, which are pinnacle ingredients to this authentic pie!

What you need: 

275 grams – dough ball

4.5 ounces – tomato sauce (San Marzano)

5-7 leaves – fresh basil

5-7 leaves – fresh oregano

3 grams – freshly shaved garlic

What to do: 

1. Set your oven to 450/500 degrees​
2. Open up can of San Marzano tomatoes, add salt to taste, and puree
3. Lightly flour your favourite pizza dough, and stretch it out to size, preferably 12 inches
4. Lightly dust a sheet pan for your pizza dough, and transfer stretched dough to pan
5. Add the tomato sauce and spread evenly, leaving a 1/2 inch crust
6. Place basil, oregano & garlic evenly around the pizza
7. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until crust is golden brown
8. Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil, cut and enjoy!

About Rocco Agostino:

Rocco was born and raised in Toronto, by two Italian parents who had immigrated to Canada a few years before. As a child he spent his days playing outside in the park or the alleyway behind his house, and dreamt of becoming a musician; but didn’t make it far with the accordion. Young Rocco’s passion for food was cultivated at an early age when he sold fruit for his uncle. He would try out a few other professions along the way, such as shoe salesman and real estate agent, but Rocco’s passion and love for the kitchen could not be denied. Starting as a dishwasher at Ciao Bella in Woodbridge, Rocco’s hunger for food took him first to the Stratford Chef’s School, and then to study abroad in Rome for several years. His first experience leading a kitchen was at Ferro Bar Café and from there he went on to open his very own restaurant the Silver Spoon. Rocco, alongside Max Rimaldi opened Pizzeria Libretto in 2008, and have since been changing the Toronto landscape of Pizza.

When Rocco is not busy slinging pizzas in the kitchen, he loves to spend his days with his wife and partner Kara of over 10 years, and their two children Super Sebastian and Mighty Mia. Being active is important to their family, and the Agostino clan is often biking or playing in the park.

His philosophy is one of simplicity, flavour and passion. Using a few seasonal ingredients to create a tasty dish that evokes memories of a passionate heart.

Follow Rocco:

Twitter & Instagram: @pizzalibretto

Website: www.pizzerialibretto.com

This post is part of the The Cutting Veg Seasonal Recipe Series, featuring recipes to make with local, seasonal produce