Central Asian-inspired Spiced Flatbread Pizza

Ingredients

In this Central Asian-inspired adaptation, we replace the traditional American pizza dough with a thin and crispy flatbread crust. The tomato sauce is infused with Central Asian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and the toppings include marinated lamb or beef, along with a colorful medley of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The addition of tangy feta cheese and creamy yogurt sauce adds a unique Central Asian twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for New England Bar Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) paprika 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper
• 8 ounces (225g) marinated lamb or beef, thinly sliced 8 ounces (225g) marinated lamb or beef, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
2. 2.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the spiced tomato sauce.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough into a thin circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Spread the spiced tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Arrange the marinated lamb or beef, bell pepper, onion, and tomato slices on top of the sauce.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the toppings.
8. 8.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   While the pizza is baking, mix the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt to make the yogurt sauce.
10. 10.
    Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro.
11. 11.
    Slice the Central Asian-inspired Spiced Flatbread Pizza into wedges and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Marinated lamb or beef — For best results, marinate the meat in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance the flavors and tenderness.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese with a creamy and tangy flavor to complement the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier pizza, add a pinch of chili flakes to the spiced tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or even pickled vegetables to add more variety and depth of flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the marinated lamb or beef with grilled tofu or paneer.

Serving advice

Serve the Central Asian-inspired Spiced Flatbread Pizza hot, either as a main course or as part of a shared meal. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of yogurt sauce just before serving. Cut it into wedges and arrange them on a platter for an inviting presentation.