Cuban-inspired Pizza with Mojo-Marinated Pork

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (225 g) mojo-marinated pork, thinly sliced 8 ounces (225 g) mojo-marinated pork, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe plantain, thinly sliced 1 ripe plantain, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Olive oil, for brushing Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Arrange the mojo-marinated pork slices on top of the sauce.
6. 6.
   Place the plantain slices evenly over the pork.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil for a golden finish.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
12. 12.
    Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mojo-marinated pork — For the best flavor, marinate the pork in the mojo sauce overnight or for at least 4 hours before cooking.
• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin for a sweeter taste. If they are too green, they will be starchy and less sweet when cooked.
• Pizza dough — If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for proofing and baking. If making homemade dough, ensure it is properly kneaded and rested for optimal texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different cheeses such as queso blanco or smoked gouda for a unique twist.
• Add a touch of heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes or drizzling hot sauce over the pizza.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables.
• Serve with a side of tangy pickles or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.
• Leftover pizza can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-inspired 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 during gatherings. Pair it with a refreshing tropical drink to complete the Cuban experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with additional fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of mojo sauce. The vibrant colors of the toppings will make the pizza visually appealing and inviting.