Deli Pizza

Deli Pizza Recipe - Italian-American Fusion Dish

Region / culture: Italy, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Deli Pizza is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza, featuring a rice crust and a savory tomato sauce topped with ham and cheese. This recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

The origins of Deli Pizza are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients commonly found in delis. This recipe has since become a popular dish in many households, loved for its simplicity and great taste.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1.5 cups (6 oz / 170 g) grated pasteurized process american cheese, divided
1 small onion, cut into 0.13 inch pieces
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 can (14-0.5 to 16 oz / 454 g) tomatoes, drained (2 cups)
1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
0.5 tsp oregano leaves
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
5 oz (142 g) fully-cooked ham, cut into 0.5 inch pieces (1 cup)

How to prepare

Combine rice, eggs, and 0.75 cup of cheese.
Press the mixture evenly with a spoon into a well-buttered 12-inch pizza pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes at 450°F (232°C), then remove it from the oven.
Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan.
Add the onion and cook over medium heat until it becomes soft but not brown.
Add the tomatoes to the onion and break them up with a spoon.
Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 7 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly.
Pour the sauce into the crust.
Sprinkle the ham and the remaining 0.75 cup of cheese on top.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Experiment with different meats, such as pepperoni or sausage.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the rice mixture firmly into the pizza pan to form a solid crust.

- Be sure to fully drain the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce to prevent a watery consistency.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Deli Pizza hot with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fully cook the rice before using it in the crust to ensure a firm texture.

- Cook the sauce until it becomes bubbly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist.

- Substitute turkey or chicken for the ham for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice crust and sauce ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Deli Pizza with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Deli Pizza pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Deli Pizza contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Deli Pizza contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Deli Pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Deli Pizza contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Deli Pizza is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Deli Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Deli Pizza is a fun and tasty twist on traditional pizza, featuring a rice crust and a flavorful tomato sauce topped with ham and cheese. This recipe is easy to make and sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was thumbing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I stumbled upon a worn and stained piece of paper tucked between the pages. It was a recipe for Deli Pizza, written in faded handwriting and covered in splatters of tomato sauce.

I couldn't resist the temptation to try it out. The ingredients were simple enough - pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and an assortment of deli meats and vegetables. But it was the method that really caught my attention. The recipe called for a unique technique of layering the toppings on the pizza in a specific order to ensure that each bite was packed with flavor.

I decided to give it a go that very evening. I rolled out the pizza dough, spread a generous amount of marinara sauce over it, and sprinkled a thick layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Then came the fun part - choosing the deli meats and vegetables to pile on top. I picked out some pepperoni, ham, salami, bell peppers, onions, and olives, arranging them carefully on the pizza in the order specified in the recipe.

As I slid the pizza into the oven, the tantalizing aroma of melting cheese and sizzling toppings filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out. When the timer finally dinged, I opened the oven door to reveal a perfectly golden-brown pizza, bubbling with melted cheese and glistening with savory toppings. It looked and smelled absolutely delicious.

I cut the pizza into slices and served it to my family, eager to hear their verdict. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The flavors exploded in their mouths - the tangy marinara sauce, the gooey cheese, the salty deli meats, and the crunchy vegetables all combined to create a symphony of tastes and textures. They declared it the best pizza they had ever eaten, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.

From that day on, Deli Pizza became a staple in our household. Whenever we had friends or family over, I would whip up a batch of this delectable pizza and watch as their eyes widened in delight. I would always credit the recipe to my grandmother's cookbook, but deep down, I knew that it was my own curiosity and willingness to experiment that had led me to discover this culinary gem.

Over the years, I have made countless variations of Deli Pizza, adding different toppings and flavors to suit the preferences of my guests. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And each time I make it, I am transported back to that rainy Saturday afternoon when I first stumbled upon the recipe and decided to give it a try.

In a way, Deli Pizza has become more than just a recipe to me. It is a reminder of the joy that comes from trying new things, of the satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious with your own hands, and of the love and warmth that comes from sharing a meal with the ones you care about. And for that, I am eternally grateful.