Balkan Seafood Pizza

Ingredients

In this Balkan adaptation of the Italian Pizza ai frutti di mare, we incorporate Balkan flavors and ingredients to create a unique culinary experience. The original Italian dish typically uses a thicker crust and focuses on the freshness of the seafood. In the Balkan version, we use a thin and crispy crust, infuse the tomato sauce with Balkan herbs, and add feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers for a distinct Mediterranean twist. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza ai frutti di mare, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Balkan herb blend (oregano, thyme, rosemary) 1 teaspoon Balkan herb blend (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
• 1 cup (150g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup (150g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (150g) calamari rings 1 cup (150g) calamari rings
• 1 cup (150g) mussels, cleaned and debearded 1 cup (150g) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (75g) black olives, sliced 1/2 cup (75g) black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) roasted red peppers, sliced 1/2 cup (75g) roasted red peppers, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Place the rolled-out crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the Balkan herb blend. Spread the sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Arrange the shrimp, calamari rings, and mussels on top of the sauce.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, black olives, and roasted red peppers over the seafood.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the seafood is cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
11. 11.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to properly clean and devein the shrimp before using them in the recipe.
• Calamari rings — If using frozen calamari rings, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the pizza.
• Mussels — Clean the mussels thoroughly, removing any beards and scrubbing the shells to ensure they are free from dirt and sand.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, add some sliced jalapenos or banana peppers to the toppings.
• Experiment with different types of seafood, such as scallops or octopus, to personalize the pizza to your taste.
• If you don't have access to fresh seafood, you can use frozen seafood, just make sure to thaw it properly before using.
• Serve the pizza with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan Seafood Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Balkan Seafood Pizza, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. The vibrant colors of the seafood, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers will make the pizza visually appealing. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to add a rustic touch.