Pizza Margherita A La Arabia

Posted on 11. Mar, 2009 by Bethany in Entertaining, Mains, Misc, Nibbles, Recipes, Starches, Starters, middle eastern, veggie

According to recent news Domino’s Pizza is enjoying rising sales as more and more people feel the pinch from the recession and opt to stay in for dinner. I much prefer to make my own pizza even though frankly sometimes I’m just too lazy to knead dough and just need a quick fix. So, a while back I discovered that I could make scrumptious pizza using Arabic bread as the base. This method yields sensational pizza; thin, soft at the center and crispy around the edges. If you don’t like thin crust pizza then I’m sorry to tell you that something is seriously wrong with you The recipe below is for a basic Marguerita however, don’t be afraid to get creative and add what you want… just remember one important thing; less is more.

Pizza Margherita A La Arabia
Serves 2

The Arabic bread -You can find Arabic Bread in any Middle Eastern store or ethnic supermarket. You want the large size bread (12 inch) and you want to keep it whole.

The tomato base- You can make your own red sauce which can be made in 30 minutes or you can use tomato paste. I opted for the tomato paste as my father sent me a huge jar of homemade paste from Lebanon that needs to be used. However, if you opt for the red sauce be sure it is reduced to the right consistency. In this case, it should be a thick consistency almost similiar to a tomato paste consistency otherwise the crust won’t crisp. The longer you simmer the thicker the sauce.
Mozzarella- Use the freshest mozzarella, and allow it to drain in a colander at least 1 hour ahead to ensure the excess juices won’t make the pizza crust soggy.
Pizza stone? I’ve just used a baking sheet and it works fantastic… but if you want to use a stone be my guest

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Loaf of Arabic bread

1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste or a thick red sauce

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

250g fresh mozzarella, drained and sliced evenly- it should make about 12 slices

8-12 cherry tomatoes- slices if you prefer

6 basil leafs-3 for chiffonade and 3 for presentation

1 tablespoon of olive oil for drizzling

Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by Pre-heating oven 400F/200C/6G

Spread the tomato paste evenly across the Arabic bread base

Spread the bread with sauce, not too much so it doesn’t get soggy!

Spread the Mozzarella slices across the pizza, add tomatoes, dried oregano, basil chiffonade and a drizzle of olive oil

Season with salt and pepper to taste

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or till the edges are crispy and golden brown and the cheese bubbling…

Love,
Bethx

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Tags: arabia, arabic bread, basil, delicious, easy, healthy, mozzarella, no dough, pizza, pizza margherita, quick, thin crust, tomatoes

24 Responses to “Pizza Margherita A La Arabia”

Daz

12. Mar, 2009

Beth, that looks great. Like the idea of cherry toms on top never thought bout that before. My problem is there ain’t many Middle Eastern stores here in Stoke, never mind will have to improvise. Will let you know how i get on with the pizza. Cheers
Global Patriot

12. Mar, 2009

Pizza Margherita is one of life’s most delicious treats, and this version makes it so easy to do, though I still prefer to top mine with very thin slices of tomato.
jocy

12. Mar, 2009

me too, i looove thin slices if cooked. this is sooo cool i didnt think you could do this with already baked arabic bread, man.. i just love all your ideas!
Huda

12. Mar, 2009

This looks delicious and I like the fact that it’s on arabic bread so less time to prepare the dough! I’m gona give it a shot…
chris

12. Mar, 2009

i am loving the simpleness and speediness of this meal. top job.

C
Hilda-O

12. Mar, 2009

This is amazzinngggg can’t wait to try it.
Bethany

12. Mar, 2009

Daz- a good place to order online is Aldoukan.com
GlobalPatriot- When making for my husband i slice them thin… otherwise he won’t eat it…. I could eat tomatoes all day
Jocy- be aware (if you’re not already) it’s not already baked… use fresh or arabic bread that is going stale and prep the pizza then bake.
Huda- Let me know how it comes along
Chris- Thank you
Hilda-O: Let me know how it turns out for you!
Manggy

13. Mar, 2009

I am totally looking for that Arabic bread next time I’m in such a place that would offer it. It looks fantastic!
Miguel

13. Mar, 2009

arabic bread for pizza….. !!! that sounds crazy… maybe cause im italian… sorry guys in my opinion … if you want pizza either you order it.. or you have to sweat to make the dough… but then again french pple eat fries with mustard……..
average joe

14. Mar, 2009

The simplest things are often the truest, i dont think many people have time nowadays to sweat to make their italian dough! times are changing, tradition is out and simplicity is in.. i think this was a great idea for people who dont have time nor are willing to fork over $20 at dominos to eat a simple pizza, and im looking forward to see some more simple ways of cooking.
average joe

14. Mar, 2009

and i love french fries with mustard!! u should try them
Bethany

14. Mar, 2009

Miguel: I appreciate your honest feedback! I always advocate home-made- I must disagree that delivery or store bought is a better option. You can’t deny that more and more people need fast, quick and simple and this method offers people that option while being healthier, more delicious, and authentic then delivery.
Miguel

14. Mar, 2009

cant help it guys.. im probably wrong.. but thats how you lose culinary tradition …. i dont agree with short cuts when it comes to food.. even more when it comes to pizza! ive been working for now 2 years in a sandwich shop.. my shop.. next couple of weeks im opening a pizza rest. in rome! maybe thats why i got emotional talking about pizza! you are alll invited!!!! by the way dominos sucks! but Its just my stupid opinion!
.. i guess with time… im getting more and more traditional!!
joe….. ive tried frise with mustard… ok…. i see it this way.. you cant mix water with oil! thats how i am when it comes to food.. so dont take it the wrong way.. ive been checking out this site now for a couple of months.. there is some great stuff! Beth keep cooking!!! you have brilliant ideas
i miss lebanese food soo much guys.. its not even funny!
Miguel

14. Mar, 2009

tradition… is simplicity dont you think!
Hala Bahouth

14. Mar, 2009

yummmmyyyyyyyyyy
gattina

15. Mar, 2009

they look like straight from the ones in Italy Absolutely fantastic!
Nadine

15. Mar, 2009

Beth, I tried it and it’s great , but the bread in the middle came out to become a little spongy probably from the tomatoe sauce which juicier than the paste…. anyway it’s delicious and thank you for your quick tips …
Bethany

15. Mar, 2009

Hala- Thanks for visiting
Gattina- thank you
Nadine- Thanks for taking the time to give me your feedback. It sounds like the sauce was not reduced enough. I’m going to make a post in the next 2 days on making the ideal red sauce for pizza. That should help avoid such an issue.
Tangled Noodle

15. Mar, 2009

My husband and I have Pizza Night Thursdays so I’m always trying to come up with something new. I haven’t been terribly successful making my own pizza crust (it never seems to live up to the ones from pizzerias, etc.) so I’ve been using a pre-made flatbread from Whole Foods. This is a great new alternative. A fresh-baked Arabic bread and fresh ingredients = healthy convenience!
Jescel

16. Mar, 2009

I know of only one middle eastern store here nearby (and I’m not even fully sure if they are)… love your pizza though, so pretty and elegant, and of course, the combo of mozzarella, tomato and basil is a winner!
Nic

19. Mar, 2009

I made something similar a while ago with a Naan Bread base and it worked really well. Will definitely have to try this as well.
Caitlin

20. Mar, 2009

This looks amazing & easy to prepare! Can you include a rough estimate of the cost to make it? (If you did already and I missed it, I apologize). On your page would be ideal, or you can add it to your comment on my page and that’ okay too. Thanks!
Mimi

10. May, 2009

We always have this bread at home. I used to make pizzas with them when I was feeling really lazy…To me it always tastes like “bread” rather than “pizza crust”, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just a little different. And way cheaper than ordering in! I live in the Middle East, so a whole pack of that bread costs about 25 cents (american) over here.

I have a suggestion for those who want to use regular tomatoes (I don’t like the cherry ones): take out the seeds first and cut them into thin slices, otherwise everything will g0 soggy in the oven.
Stepehn

15. Oct, 2009

brilliant