Ethnic Pizzas

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Jan 2008 10:02 AM

My 3-year-old daughter used to be a picky eater, but in the last year or so she has really learned to embrace new foods. Each day I am pleasantly surprised by her bold menu choices. Okay, maybe they aren't that bold--she still sticks to her core favorites and it is up to me to find new ways to turn those ingredients into new dishes, but I am fine with that. In fact, it helps me to grow as a cook, and there's nothing more gratifying than having someone devour your latest culinary creations.

The following recipes are specifically designed for the pizza lovers in your family. My daughter loves pizza (it's one of those core favorites), but I really wanted to avoid giving her the greasy pepperoni and cheese versions at home. (They are fine when we are at a restaurant, but not a desirable option for nightly dinners.) These pizzas incorporate ingredients most children will readily eat---beef, cheese, and kid tolerable veggies such as carrots and bell peppers (which you really can't taste on the finished product but it does a mom good knowing they're in there). What's more, both pizzas take less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake.

TAIWAN-EASE STEAK PIZZA

Ingredients:

1 1/4-pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick

1 tablespoon roasted garlic oil

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 package (10 ounces) prebaked thin pizza crust (12-inch diameter)

3 tablespoons prepared Thai peanut sauce (See note below)

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded pizza cheese blend

1/2 cup packaged shredded carrots

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Cut steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips.

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Stir-fry beef and onions in 2 batches, 2 to 3 minutes each, or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. Remove from skillet.

Place pizza crust on a large ungreased baking sheet. Spread with peanut sauce; sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheese. Top with beef mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Bake in 425 degree oven 11 to 13 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Sprinkle with carrots and cilantro.

Cut and serve.

**NOTE: Thai peanut sauce is a Southeast Asian sauce usually made of peanut butter, oil, garlic, onion, chilies and soy sauce. You can find it in the ethnic section of the supermarket.

ITALIAN CHEESESTEAK PIZZA

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 green or red bell pepper

1 medium onion, thinly sliced, separated into rings

1 large Italian pizza crust (12-inch diameter)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat for 6 minutes. Add bell pepper and onion, cook 3 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place pizza crust on baking sheet. Remove beef and vegetables from skillet with slotted spoon; arrange on top of pizza crust. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Cut and serve.

TIPS: You could also make this pizza with a 1 lb. boneless beef top sirloin steak marinated in Italian salad dressing. Just marinate the steak in a Ziploc bag overnight. Grill steak over medium heat to desired doneness; slice into thin strips; add to pizza crust with vegetables and cheese and cook following directions above.

Related Articles:

Real Pizza

Mamma Mia - The History of Pizza!

Grilled Chicken Mexican Pizza

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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