Mexican-American Style Stuffed Escarole Pizza

Ingredients

In this Mexican-American adaptation, we substitute the traditional Italian ingredients with Mexican-American flavors. Instead of using traditional pizza dough, we opt for a crust that incorporates cornmeal for a hint of Mexican influence. The filling is transformed by adding ground beef seasoned with Mexican spices, such as cumin and chili powder. The final touch is the addition of melted cheese and a side of salsa or guacamole for a burst of Mexican-American flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza di scarola alla Napoletana, so you can check it out.

• 1 pre-made pizza dough (400g / 14oz) 1 pre-made pizza dough (400g / 14oz)
• 1 head of escarole, washed and chopped (300g / 10.5oz) 1 head of escarole, washed and chopped (300g / 10.5oz)
• 250g (8.8oz) ground beef 250g (8.8oz) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (100g / 3.5oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend 1 cup (100g / 3.5oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Salsa or guacamole, for serving Salsa or guacamole, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chopped escarole and cook until wilted.
5. 5.
   Season the mixture with cumin powder, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
7. 7.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
8. 8.
   Spread the escarole and ground beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
12. 12.
    Serve the Mexican-American Style Stuffed Escarole Pizza with salsa or guacamole on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Escarole — Make sure to wash the escarole thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the pizza filling.
• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Cook it until browned and drain any excess fat to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Experiment with different types of Mexican cheeses, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or grilled vegetables.
• Customize the toppings by adding sliced tomatoes, black olives, or diced bell peppers before baking.
• To save time, you can use store-bought salsa or guacamole, but homemade versions will enhance the flavors even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican-American Style Stuffed Escarole Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for a Mexican-American themed gathering.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, garnish the pizza with fresh cilantro leaves or chopped green onions. The vibrant green of the escarole and the melted cheese will create an inviting visual contrast.