Salami and Chili Pepper Pizzas

This past fall I rediscovered salami as a pizza topping and I’ve been hooked ever since. It crisps up delightfully around the edges and has a more complex and meaty flavor than pepperoni does. On these individual-sized pizzas, the salami is joined by spicy red chili peppers — you can leave them off if spicy food isn’t you thing, but I find that they add a delicious flavor and negate the need for crushed red peppers added afterward (I usually pile them on). What goes better with salami and cheese than beer? Hannaford sells lumps of beer-bread dough that are perfect to use as the crust for these pizzas (find them in the refrigerated section, near the hummus and fresh mozzarella). Of course, you can use any pizza dough that you like, or make your own beer bread dough from scratch.

Because I used a lot of purchased ingredients on these pizzas this post is really more an idea that a recipe, but I hope that it’s one that you’ll enjoy. I figured it would also be a great opportunity to share a few pizza-making tips that I’ve picked up over the years.

Pizza-Making Tips

1) Ditch the jarred sauce. I find most prepared sauced to be too thick, with a much too concentrated tomato flavor. Canned tomatoes have aren’t as overpowering, and have a sweeter flavor that tastes more like a fresh tomato. I usually puree a can of whole peeled plum tomatoes and reduce it on the stove with some Italian seasoning and healthy glug of red wine. Lately though, I’ve just been doctoring a can of crushed tomatoes with some oregano and using that. Red Pack has the perfect texture. (Disclosure: they sent me a few cans to review. I’ve since bought more.)

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2) Fresh mozzarella, shredded. I love the way fresh mozzarella tastes on pizza, but at lot of places slice it . Since it doesn’t spread as it melts, this leaves big, cheese-less gaps. Shredding the mozzarella will help you cover the entire pizza — overall, you’ll be able to use less cheese, but your pizza will seem cheesier. Throw the mozzarella in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up and it will be much easier to shred. The recipe below calls for 6 ounces, but I tend to not use it all.

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3) Size matters. I know I’ve written about this before, but I prefer to make individual sized pizzas instead of one larger pizza. I have no problem polishing off half of a full-sized pizza. But when I make four individual pizzas, I find that one is enough. And if it isn’t, I’m much more likely to take more salad than I am to grab a second pizza. For me, individual pizzas are crucial for keeping my portions in check. Plus, what’s more fun than your very own pizza?

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Salami and Red Pepper Pizzas
Serves 4

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1 pound beer bread dough (or other pizza dough)
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1 Tbs dried oregano
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, shredded
1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
12 slices hard salami

Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Allow to rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Gently work each piece of dough into a round, flat disk, approximately 6-inches in diameter. Mix together the crushed tomatoes and oregano and spread onto each piece of dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edge. Divide the cheese among the pizzas and sprinkle with the red peppers. Top with salami.

Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted, salami is crisp and crust is cooked through.

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Comments

Laura says
01/16 at 8:42 am

This looks great, will definately be giving it a try.

Pizza Express have just launched an interesting take on a low cal pizza, which is relevant to what you spoke about in terms of portion control.
Think I might attempt a combo of the two and see what I come out with.

I reviewed the Pizza Express Leggera on my blog yesterday. Have a look if you get chance.

http://thescoffingcow.blogspot.com/2011/01/leggera-pizza-holeyer-than-thou.html
🙂

Albany Jane says
01/05 at 10:32 am

I’m totally the opposite with pizzas. I always think that a personal pie isn’t enough, and totally need a bigger pie to feel satisfied. But then again, the important thing is knowing what works individually. With personal pies, I just think “Oh, I only ate one…” hee hee.

Oh man – now I need to make pizza at home again!

Kristi Rimkus says
12/31 at 2:06 pm

We were just talking about making pizza tonight! Top Foods sells pizza dough, making it really easy to add your own toppings. Love your sauce suggestion, and I agree with your mini pizzas for automatic portion control!

Happy New Year!

Kristi

Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
12/28 at 3:47 am

oh my gosh these so great! i haven’t had pizza in ages- its about time!

Joanne says
12/27 at 2:01 pm

Salami on pizza…I’m almost ashamed that I’ve never thought of that before! but that’s why I have you in my life, Lauren 😛

My parents have always used Red Pack for all of their tomato needs so I can attest to its excellence!

kamran siddiqi says
12/27 at 12:27 am

That’s it, I am coming over to your house for pizza because gosh- these look absolutely delish!

Dinners & Dreams says
12/26 at 10:11 pm

Lauren, your spicy salami pizza looks fabulous. I would love to try it.

Nisrine

Blog is the New Black says
12/26 at 9:06 pm

Wow! This sounds (and looks!) amazing!

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