Circassian Sea and Mountain Pizza

Ingredients

In the original Italian Mare e Monti Pizza, the seafood used is typically a combination of shrimp and clams or mussels. However, in this Circassian adaptation, we have replaced the clams or mussels with calamari to better suit the target cuisine. Additionally, we have incorporated Circassian spices and cheese to infuse the pizza with the unique flavors of Circassian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Mare e monti Pizza, so you can check it out.

• Pizza dough: 300g (10.5 oz) Pizza dough: 300g (10.5 oz)
• Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240ml) Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240ml)
• Circassian spices (coriander, paprika, etc.): 1 tsp Circassian spices (coriander, paprika, etc.): 1 tsp
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined: 200g (7 oz) Shrimp, peeled and deveined: 200g (7 oz)
• Calamari rings: 200g (7 oz) Calamari rings: 200g (7 oz)
• Mushrooms, sliced: 100g (3.5 oz) Mushrooms, sliced: 100g (3.5 oz)
• Circassian cheese, grated: 100g (3.5 oz) Circassian cheese, grated: 100g (3.5 oz)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped: 2 tbsp Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped: 2 tbsp
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape and place it on a baking sheet.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the Circassian spices. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
4. 4.
   Arrange the shrimp, calamari, and mushrooms on top of the sauce.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the grated Circassian cheese over the seafood and mushrooms.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the fresh herbs on top.
9. 9.
   Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to properly clean and devein the shrimp before using them in the recipe.
• Calamari — If using fresh calamari, clean it thoroughly and remove any skin or cartilage. If using frozen calamari, thaw it completely before adding it to the pizza.
• Circassian cheese — If Circassian cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese or another tangy cheese of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the shrimp and calamari in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Circassian spices for 30 minutes before using them as toppings.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, to add depth to the pizza's flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking.
• Serve the pizza with a side of Circassian yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Circassian Sea and Mountain Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a shared meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of Circassian yogurt sauce for a complete dining experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Circassian Sea and Mountain Pizza, garnish it with additional fresh herbs, such as basil leaves or microgreens. The vibrant green colors will add visual appeal to the dish. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to create a rustic and inviting presentation.