New York-Style Pizza with an Arab Twist

Ingredients

While the original New York-style pizza is known for its simple yet flavorful toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, our Arab-inspired version incorporates aromatic spices and ingredients commonly found in Arab cuisine. We will be using za'atar, a fragrant blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt, to infuse the pizza with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor. We alse have the original recipe for New York-Style Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon za'atar 1 tablespoon za'atar
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell peppers 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell peppers
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
4. 4.
   Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, za'atar, black olives, and diced bell peppers over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Za'atar — If you can't find za'atar, you can make your own blend by combining equal parts dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt.
• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, you can substitute feta cheese with labneh, a tangy Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese.
• Bell peppers — Feel free to use a mix of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to your pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled dough on it.
• Experiment with different toppings like sliced tomatoes, red onions, or even a drizzle of tahini sauce for added flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Za'atar Infused New York-Style Pizza hot and fresh from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings. Pair it with a side salad or pickles for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra za'atar and crumbled feta cheese on top of the pizza before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.