Jiangsu-style Eggplant Pizza

Ingredients

In this Jiangsu-style adaptation of the original Italian Pizza Melanzane, we incorporate the distinct flavors and ingredients of Jiangsu cuisine. The traditional Italian pizza is transformed by using a thin and crispy crust, a rich tomato sauce infused with Jiangsu spices, and the addition of shredded chicken, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. The aromatic Jiangsu spices and a drizzle of sesame oil add a unique twist to the dish, creating a delightful fusion of flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza melanzane, so you can check it out.

• 1 thin pizza crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 thin pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Jiangsu spice blend 1 teaspoon Jiangsu spice blend
• 1 small eggplant, thinly sliced 1 small eggplant, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) shredded cooked chicken 1 cup (150g) shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup (150g) sliced mushrooms 1 cup (150g) sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced bamboo shoots 1/2 cup (75g) sliced bamboo shoots
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the Jiangsu spice blend.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
5. 5.
   Arrange the sliced eggplant, shredded chicken, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots on top of the sauce.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the sesame oil 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...

• Eggplant — To remove any bitterness, sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry before using.
• Jiangsu spice blend — If you can't find a pre-made Jiangsu spice blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts of ground star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried orange peel.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced bell peppers or water chestnuts to add more texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Substitute the shredded chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• Serve the pizza with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Serving advice

Serve the Jiangsu-style Eggplant Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as part of a shared meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of additional Jiangsu spice blend and a few fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the toppings will make the pizza visually appealing.