Introduction

Fusion cuisine is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of culinary arts. It takes elements from different culinary traditions and combines them to create unique and innovative dishes. One such example is Moroccan Tagine Pizza with Roasted Vegetables. This fusion dish brings together the flavors of a classic Moroccan tagine and the popular Italian pizza. The result is a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and a crispy crust. In this article, we will explore how to make this delectable fusion creation at home.

Ingredients

To make Moroccan Tagine Pizza with Roasted Vegetables, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the pizza dough:
  • 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 180 ml (¾ cup) warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the tagine sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 400 grams (14 ounces) canned diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• For the roasted vegetables:
  • 1 eggplant, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the topping:
  • 150 grams (1 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Start by preparing the pizza dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. While the dough is rising, prepare the tagine sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

3. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the sliced eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

5. Once the pizza dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circular shape, about 12 inches in diameter.

6. Spread a generous amount of the tagine sauce on each pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the roasted vegetables on top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Transfer the pizzas onto a baking sheet or pizza stone lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and golden.

8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes/Tips

• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as olives, preserved lemons, or cooked chicken.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle harissa sauce on top of the pizza before baking.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations in the tagine sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Moroccan Tagine Pizza with Roasted Vegetables is a perfect example of the creativity and diversity that fusion cuisine offers. By combining the flavors and techniques of Moroccan tagine and Italian pizza, this dish takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. The aromatic spices of the tagine sauce, the tender roasted vegetables, and the crispiness of the pizza crust create a harmonious fusion of flavors. So, why not try your hand at making this unique fusion creation at home? Impress your family and friends with this delicious and innovative combination that showcases the endless possibilities of fusion cuisine.