Central African Inspired Thin Crust Pizza

Ingredients

In this Central African adaptation of the Chicago thin crust pizza, we incorporate traditional Central African spices and ingredients to infuse the dish with unique flavors. The toppings are inspired by Central African cuisine, featuring grilled chicken, vibrant vegetables, and traditional herbs. The tomato sauce is enhanced with aromatic spices commonly used in Central African cooking, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile. We alse have the original recipe for Chicago Thin Crust Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Central African spice blend (e.g., suya spice) 1 teaspoon (5g) Central African spice blend (e.g., suya spice)
• 1 cup (150g) grilled chicken, shredded 1 cup (150g) grilled chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup (75g) bell peppers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) red onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (30g) black olives, sliced 1/4 cup (30g) black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Central African herb blend, for sprinkling Central African herb blend, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out into a thin circle on a floured surface.
8. 8.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the Central African spice blend. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
10. 10.
    Top the sauce with shredded grilled chicken, bell peppers, red onions, and black olives.
11. 11.
    Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and Central African herb blend.
13. 13.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Grilled chicken — Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding it for the pizza.
• Central African spice blend — If you can't find a pre-made blend, you can make your own by combining spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the pizza before baking.
• Experiment with different Central African herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato sauce before spreading it on the dough.
• Feel free to add other toppings commonly used in Central African cuisine, such as plantains or peanuts.
• To achieve a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.

Serving advice

Serve the Central African inspired thin crust pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as an appetizer during gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with additional fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of the Central African herb blend. The vibrant colors of the toppings will make the pizza visually appealing.