Berber Spiced Flatbread Pizza

Ingredients

In this Berber adaptation, we replace the traditional pizza dough with a flatbread crust, which is more commonly used in Berber cuisine. Additionally, we infuse the tomato sauce with Berber spices, such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric, to give it a distinct North African flavor profile. The toppings also reflect the vibrant and fresh ingredients commonly found in Berber cuisine, such as bell peppers, onions, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. We alse have the original recipe for Old Forge 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 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 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 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) turmeric 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) turmeric
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 48g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   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 round shape.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Spread the spiced tomato sauce evenly over the flatbread crusts.
6. 6.
   Top the pizzas with bell pepper slices, red onion slices, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
7. 7.
   Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell pepper — For a smoky flavor, you can roast the bell pepper before slicing and adding it to the pizza.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness and mellow the flavor.
• Feta cheese — To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the crumbled feta cheese in olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs for a few hours before using it as a topping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or harissa to the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different vegetables as toppings, such as zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, roll out the dough even more thinly.
• Serve the pizza with a side of harissa sauce or tzatziki for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover pizza can be enjoyed cold or reheated in a preheated oven for a few minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Berber Spiced Flatbread Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil over the pizza just before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or a pinch of dried herbs for an extra touch of visual appeal.