California-Style Pizza with a Spanish Twist

Ingredients

In this Extremaduran adaptation of the California-style pizza, we incorporate traditional ingredients from Extremadura to infuse the dish with Spanish flavors. The original pizza is typically topped with ingredients like avocado, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes, which we replace with Extremaduran elements such as chorizo, tomatoes, and local herbs. This adaptation adds a smoky and savory twist to the classic California-style pizza. We alse have the original recipe for California-Style Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced chorizo 1/2 cup (75g) sliced chorizo
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green bell peppers 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green bell peppers
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced red onions 1/4 cup (30g) sliced red onions
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Arrange the sliced chorizo, black olives, green bell peppers, and red onions on top of the cheese.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with dried oregano.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. 11.
    Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a sweet or mild chorizo instead of a spicy one. Alternatively, you can substitute it with sliced Spanish ham (jamón) for a different twist.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with different Extremaduran cheeses, such as Torta del Casar or Ibores, for a unique flavor profile.
• Add a drizzle of honey over the pizza before serving to enhance the sweet and savory contrast.

Serving advice

Serve the California-style Extremaduran pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a tapas spread. Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and sherry vinegar for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the pizza just before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic pizza stone to showcase its homemade charm.