Chinese-style Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Pizza Margherita features a thin crust, our Chinese-style adaptation incorporates a slightly thicker crust to accommodate the heartier toppings. Additionally, we have replaced the traditional mozzarella cheese with a combination of mild cheddar and Chinese white cheese, adding a unique flavor profile to the dish. The sauce is infused with Chinese spices and herbs, giving it a distinctively Chinese taste. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (100g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup (100g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100g) Chinese white cheese, shredded 1 cup (100g) Chinese white cheese, shredded
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Chinese-style tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) Chinese-style tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon (5g) Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, 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).
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Spread the Chinese-style tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Chinese white cheese over the sauce.
8. 8.
   Arrange the tomato slices on top of the cheese.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the Chinese five-spice powder and dried oregano over the toppings.
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 garnish with fresh basil leaves.
12. 12.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chinese-style tomato sauce — Look for a brand that has a balance of sweet and savory flavors to complement the pizza toppings.
• Chinese white cheese — If you can't find Chinese white cheese, you can substitute it with a mild white cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
• Chinese five-spice powder — Make sure to use a good-quality Chinese five-spice powder for an authentic flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves just before garnishing to release their aromatic oils.
• Mild cheddar cheese — Opt for a mild cheddar cheese to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different Chinese spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the sauce.
• Add a touch of sesame oil to the dough for an extra hint of Chinese flavor.
• Serve the pizza with a side of soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Pizza Margherita hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as an appetizer during a Chinese-inspired feast.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder and a few additional fresh basil leaves. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a decorative pizza stone for an authentic touch.