Creating a Mexican-Style Pizza

With its vibrant flavors and bold combination of ingredients, Mexican cuisine has gained a significant following worldwide. One delicious Mexican-inspired dish that has been making waves in the culinary world is the Mexican-style pizza. By combining the best of both worlds – the traditional Italian pizza base and the flavorful Mexican toppings – you create a mouth-watering fusion that is sure to impress your taste buds.

To kickstart the creation of your Mexican-style pizza, you must first prepare the pizza dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine two and a half cups of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of instant yeast, one teaspoon of sugar, and one teaspoon of salt. Gradually add three-fourth cup of warm water and two tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together and then knead it on a floured surface for about five minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place.

While your dough is rising, you can start preparing the Mexican-inspired toppings. Begin by browning half a pound of ground beef in a pan with some olive oil. Once it is cooked through, drain the excess fat and set it aside. In a separate bowl, combine one cup of salsa, half a cup of canned black beans (drained and rinsed), half a cup of corn kernels (canned or frozen), and a tablespoon of taco seasoning. Mix well to ensure that all the flavors are nicely incorporated.

Now that your pizza dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions to create individual-sized pizzas. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Roll out each dough portion into a 10-inch circle and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Spread a generous layer of your favorite tomato-based pizza sauce on each dough round, leaving a small border. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend on each pizza, followed by the cooked ground beef and the salsa mixture. To add a bit of heat, you can also incorporate sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes.

Once all the toppings are in place, place your pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust edges turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Once out of the oven, allow your Mexican-style pizzas to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The combination of the crispy crust, gooey cheese, and the array of flavorful toppings will make your taste buds dance with delight. For an extra burst of freshness, you can garnish the pizza with some chopped cilantro or diced avocado.

Mexican-style pizza offers a unique twist to the traditional Italian dish. Its bold and robust flavors along with a kick of heat provide an exciting twist that will satisfy even the most discerning pizza aficionados. So, the next time you’re craving a delicious pizza, why not give the Mexican-style a go? It’s a flavorful journey that will transport you to the streets of Mexico with every bite.