| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 20g | 8g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 6g | 30g | 1.5g |
There is something truly magical about the combination of flavors put together in the Ackee and Codfish Pizza, a dish that captures the essence of my Gujarati roots while embracing the openness and diversity of my Californian lifestyle. The bright, tropical flavors play together in harmony, engaging our taste buds in a unique culinary dance that’s both comforting and exhilarating. Who would’ve thought that a traditional Jamaican breakfast would translate so incredibly well into, of all things, a pizza?
The Beautiful Fusion of Flavors
In essence, this recipe is a beautiful amalgamation of everything I’ve grown up with, learned, and loved. Starting with the buttery goodness of the ackee, a fruit native to West Africa but celebrated extensively in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaican cuisine. Pair that with the subtle flavor of codfish, a staple in many cultures across the globe, and you’ve got the base for something incredible. Now, imagine this on a bed of warm, homemade pizza dough lathered with marinara sauce and sprinkled with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a spin on the Italian classic with an unexpected, but absolutely delicious, twist.
Health Benefits That Go Beyond Taste
But it’s not just the flavor profile of Ackee and Codfish Pizza that makes me love this recipe. It’s teeming with health benefits too. Ackee, for instance, is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and heart-healthy fatty acids. Cod is an exceptional source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. And let’s not forget the marinara sauce with antioxidant-rich tomatoes and the immunity-boosting garlic. It’s a win-win situation on both taste and nutrition fronts!
The beauty of this seafood pizza recipe is its versatility. It’s a fantastic main dish, but it would also pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, some garlic bread, or your favorite glass of wine. For those familiar with Indian cuisine, it bears resemblance to the classic Masala Fish cooked with Indian spices, only on a pizza!
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that my love for this recipe goes beyond my fondness for fusion food. The Ackee and Codfish Pizza is as much a culinary adventure as it is a tribute to a rich cultural heritage, a testament to the wonderful richness that diversity brings not just to our lives, but to our dinner tables as well.
– Aria
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 cup of warm water (about 110 degrees F)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups of prepared ackee
- 1 ½ cups of flaked codfish, cooked (preferably salted)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt and garlic powder. Mix these together until they’re well blended.
Step Two
Add the warm water and the olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it’s smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Three
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and leave it to rise. This should take about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Four
While the dough is rising, you can start preparing the topping. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and optionally the minced Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook until they’re softened and fragrant.
Step Five
Next, add the flaked codfish and the prepared ackee to the skillet. Stir this mixture together, then add the thyme and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step Six
Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape and place it onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step Seven
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Then, evenly distribute the cheese over the sauce.
Step Eight
Spoon the codfish and ackee mixture over the cheese. Spread it out evenly, then place the pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step Nine
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Ackee and Codfish Pizza!
