Caribbean-Style Pizza

Ingredients

While New York-style pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, Caribbean-Style Pizza features a slightly thicker and chewier crust infused with Caribbean spices. The toppings are a delightful blend of tropical ingredients, such as jerk chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and a hint of fiery scotch bonnet pepper sauce. This fusion of flavors creates a pizza that is both familiar and exotic. 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
• 1/2 teaspoon Caribbean spice blend (combination of allspice, thyme, paprika, and nutmeg) 1/2 teaspoon Caribbean spice blend (combination of allspice, thyme, paprika, and nutmeg)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (150g) diced jerk chicken 1 cup (150g) diced jerk chicken
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced pineapple 1/2 cup (75g) diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell peppers (assorted colors) 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) scotch bonnet pepper sauce (adjust according to spice preference) 1/4 cup (60ml) scotch bonnet pepper sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and Caribbean spice blend.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a round pizza crust.
7. 7.
   Place the pizza crusts on baking sheets or pizza stones.
8. 8.
   In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and scotch bonnet pepper sauce. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza crusts.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the jerk chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers over the sauce.
10. 10.
    Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
13. 13.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jerk chicken — For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in jerk seasoning overnight before cooking.
• Scotch bonnet pepper sauce — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder taste.
• Caribbean spice blend — If you can't find a pre-made blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts of allspice, thyme, paprika, and nutmeg.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the pizza crust on it.
• Experiment with different tropical toppings like mango, coconut, or plantains to add more Caribbean flair.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the jerk chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu.
• Serve the pizza with a side of fresh lime wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.
• If you like it spicy, drizzle extra scotch bonnet pepper sauce over the pizza before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean-Style Pizza hot and fresh from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as a delightful appetizer at your next Caribbean-themed gathering.

Presentation advice

To enhance the tropical presentation, garnish the pizza with additional diced pineapple, bell peppers, and cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors will make the pizza even more visually appealing.