New Mexican Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Pizza Margherita is known for its simplicity and use of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, our New Mexican adaptation adds a touch of spice and incorporates local flavors. We will be using green chilies, jalapenos, and a blend of Mexican cheeses to give this pizza a unique and exciting twist. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 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
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded Mexican cheese blend 2 cups (200 g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup (75 g) sliced green chilies 1/2 cup (75 g) sliced green chilies
• 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced jalapenos 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced jalapenos
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
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.
   Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Arrange the sliced green chilies and jalapenos on top of the cheese.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the pizza.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green chilies — If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the green chilies before slicing.
• Jalapenos — Adjust the amount of jalapenos according to your spice tolerance. You can also substitute them with milder peppers if desired.
• Mexican cheese blend — If you can't find a pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend, you can use a combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, roll out the dough to a thinner thickness.
• Experiment with different toppings like grilled corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes to add more New Mexican flair to your pizza.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought salsa instead of tomato sauce for a quick and flavorful alternative.
• Serve the pizza with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole for a creamy and cooling contrast to the spicy flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the New Mexican Pizza Margherita hot and fresh from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for a Southwestern-themed gathering. Pair it with a refreshing beverage like a cold glass of horchata or a spicy margarita to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of your New Mexican Pizza Margherita, garnish it with additional fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of chili powder. The vibrant colors of the green chilies and jalapenos will add visual appeal to the dish. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a colorful plate to showcase the fusion of Italian and New Mexican cuisines.