Mexican pizza

Mexican Pizza - An explosion of flavors in every slice

Who doesn’t love pizza? This Mexican pizza recipe blends the traditional flavor of pizza with the vibrant and spicy ingredients characteristic of Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a party with friends. Although pizza originates from another culture, it has managed to adapt over time, and today it is prepared in countless combinations, including this delicious Mexican pizza.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g sifted flour
- ½ packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 350 ml)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:
- 1 can sliced mushrooms
- 1 can Mexican mix (corn, peppers, peas)
- 50 g sliced olives
- 150 g grated mozzarella
- Optional spices: basil, oregano

Preparation Steps

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of flour, 3 tablespoons of warm water, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Stir well until you get a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will make the dough fluffy and airy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the 400 g of flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast paste. Pour in the olive oil and 1 ½ cups of warm water. Mix with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and non-sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

3. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes. This step will allow it to double in volume, making the pizza fluffier.

4. Shaping the dough: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you have a sheet about 1-2 cm thick. It’s important not to make it too thin; otherwise, the pizza will burn at the edges.

5. Preparing the tray: Grease a pizza tray with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough to the tray and shape it to fit the tray’s form.

6. Adding the toppings: On the prepared dough, spread the tomato sauce evenly, then add the mushrooms, Mexican mix, and sliced olives. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the pizza. If desired, now is the time to add your favorite spices, such as basil or oregano.

7. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pizza tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, and the edges of the crust are crispy.

8. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and enjoy it with a fresh salad or a refreshing drink. This Mexican pizza pairs perfectly with fresh lemonade or a light cocktail, offering a pleasant contrast to the intense flavors of the toppings.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best results. High-quality mozzarella will make the pizza tastier. Also, if you have fresh vegetables on hand, feel free to add them, such as red onion or bell peppers.
- Water temperature: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta. Also, for a vegetarian option, omit the meat from the Mexican mix.
- Spicy pizza: If you want a spicy kick, add a few slices of jalapeños or chili sauce to the toppings.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of Mexican pizza has about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and toppings used. It provides a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and vitamins from the added vegetables. It’s a balanced meal that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, using whole wheat flour will give the pizza a richer flavor and a denser texture. However, you may need to adjust the amount of water.
- How can I store leftover pizza? Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.
- Can I freeze pizza? Yes, you can freeze pizza before baking it. Wrap it well in aluminum foil and freeze it. When you decide to bake it, remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Mexican pizza is a versatile and flavorful delight, perfect for any occasion. With every slice, you will experience a perfect combination of ingredients that will turn any meal into a special moment. Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste and share this explosion of flavors with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!