Shakshuka Pizza or Flatbread
And, here is September with a bang. Fun as it was, our vacation was just too short. This Sunday, I worked through a lot of some of our favorite ingredients and flavors to create this pizza flatbread. It actually started it’s life as shakshuka.
Well, Shakshuka sauce anyway. This time of the year, when tomatoes are so plentiful I make a few different sauces and keep them handy. There is always my basic curry sauce and the tikka masala sauce from Instant Indian and then there is everything else in between. To make this a complete meal, I created these flat breads or pizza. Interestingly enough, the combination of cheddar and tomatoes brought home a sharp nostalgic memory. As a child growing up, we mostly ate Amul cheese, which is a cheddar cheese of sorts. Probably why I love cheddar so much. And, yes, my first homemade taste of pizza in fact, combined cheddar with a simple tomato sauce. Since then, I have learned to love sharp and sharper cheeses and my go to these days is Cabot Sharp, Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp Cheddars.
Nostalgia is such a strange thing, every time I made this, the combined flavors of sharp melted cheddar with a homey tomato sauce transports me right back to childhood. My toppings are different, and I love being able to add the egg, after all everything tastes better with an egg on top.
Wholesome, satisfying and healthy. This is comfort and healthy satisfaction in a colorful package. T
So, here I have used a bunch of things like olives and chickpeas to boost the flavor and nutrition. I have made by own pita/pizza base, however whole grain pita’s work very well for this recipe. You can do this in the oven. And, this can be done very well in the air fryer, if you just want to make one or two. So, it is really all about possibilities. I use cilantro, lots of it. I think working with mint or any other herb of your choice will be just fine.
To get this done right, there are a few layers to the flatbread and I am offering all the options that make this one of our favorite all time meals.
The Bread or Crust
You can use my wholewheat naan recipe or use wholegrain Pita breads. You want a structured and assertive base.
The Sauce
I have a recipe for a quick shakshuka base, however, if you are in a rush you can definitely use your favorite pasta sauce.
The Cheese
I am using Seriously Sharp Cheddar for this, I feel it adds some good assertive flavors to this mix.
Other Toppings
You can get creative here, I use chickpeas, olives, diced red onions and cilantro. And of course, a bright egg. 
The net result is a gorgeous flatbread that everyone can stand behind.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
PrintShakshuka Pizza or Flatbread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
A gorgeous creation of a shakshuka pizza, that makes a hearty and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
4 wholewheat pita or naan breadsOil and Cornmeal to prep the sheet pan
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon powdered cumin
1 large red onion,diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper diced
3 tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
4 eggs
2 cups grated extra sharp Cabot Cheddar (can be by NY or Vermont)
1/2 cup sliced olives
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Grease and lightly sprinkle a sheet pan with cornmeal. (Please see the notes for air-fryer instructions)
Place the pita or naan breads on the sheet pan and bake for about 5 minutes until lightly crisped. Remove from the oven.
In the meantime, heat the oil in a skillet.
Add in the cumin and all but 2 tablespoons of the diced onion and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes.
Add in the bell pepper and all but 2 tablespoons of the diced tomatoes.
Stir in the salt and the red pepper flakes. Cook until the mixture simmers and thickens into a spreadable sauce. This will take about 10 minutes.
Spread each of the flat breads with the sauce, covering the surface. Break an egg into the center of each bread.
Sprinkle with the cheese.
Add in the olives and chickpeas.
Place back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the reserved tomatoes, onions and cilantro. You can add extra cheese if you wish. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Notes
To make this in an Air fryer.
Place the pita in the basket and cook for 3 minutes.
Prepare the sauce and arrange as above. Air fryer for 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Top with cilantro, tomatoes and onions and serve.
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