Recipe

Pinakbet Pizza

Filipino Fusion Delight: Pinakbet Pizza

4.2 out of 5

Indulge in the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine with this innovative twist on a classic dish. Pinakbet Pizza combines the vibrant and savory flavors of pinakbet, a traditional Filipino vegetable stew, with the crispy and cheesy goodness of pizza.

Pizza› Pinakbet Pizza

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Filipino cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

40 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-free (with gluten-free pizza crust), Dairy-free (with dairy-free cheese substitute), Low-carb (with cauliflower crust)

Allergens

Crust: Wheat (gluten), Cheese: Dairy

Not suitable for

Vegan (due to the use of shrimp paste), Paleo, Keto, Nut-free (depending on the pizza crust and cheese used), Soy-free (depending on the pizza crust and cheese used)

Ingredients

1 pizza crust 1 pizza crust
1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon shrimp paste 1 tablespoon shrimp paste
1/2 cup bitter melon, sliced 1/2 cup bitter melon, sliced
1/2 cup eggplant, sliced 1/2 cup eggplant, sliced
1/2 cup squash, cubed 1/2 cup squash, cubed
1/2 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling Olive oil for drizzling

Nutrition

Calories: 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 5g)
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant.
3.
Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for another minute.
4.
Add the bitter melon, eggplant, squash, and string beans to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6.
Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
7.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust.
8.
Arrange the cooked vegetables on top of the sauce.
9.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
10.
Drizzle olive oil over the pizza.
11.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
13.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Bitter melon — To reduce the bitterness, soak the sliced bitter melon in salted water for 10 minutes before cooking.
Shrimp paste — If shrimp paste is not available, you can substitute it with fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
Experiment with different vegetables based on your preference and seasonal availability.
Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add some sliced chili peppers to the toppings.
Serve the Pinakbet Pizza with a side of vinegar dipping sauce for an authentic Filipino touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Pinakbet Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a unique appetizer for gatherings and parties.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Pinakbet Pizza with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to enhance the rustic and homemade feel.