Szechuan Peppercorn Pie

Szechuan Peppercorn Pie is a unique vegetarian pizza that combines the numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, all atop a crispy crust. This dish offers a delightful fusion of Chinese flavors in a comforting pizza format that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 200 grams
• Warm water - 120 ml
• Active dry yeast - 5 grams
• Sugar - 5 grams
• Salt - 4 grams
• Olive oil - 15 ml
• Szechuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Zucchini - 1, diced
• Mushrooms - 100 grams, sliced
• Soy sauce - 15 ml
• Chili oil - 5 ml
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, shredded
• Fresh cilantro - a handful, chopped

Steps

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
4. While the dough is rising, heat a pan over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of Szechuan peppercorns and lightly toast them until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove and crush them slightly.
5. In the same pan, add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
6. Add soy sauce and chili oil to the vegetables, mixing well. Stir in the crushed Szechuan peppercorns and remove from heat.
7. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a pizza shape on a floured surface.
9. Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the dough.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Szechuan peppercorns may aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• The combination of fresh vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals.

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