- Can I use lamb?
- Yes, please do! Lamb's distinct flavor matches the original recipe perfectly.
- How spicy should it be?
- It's up to you, but Harissa (North African chili paste) is a fantastic addition if you like heat.
Algerian Pizza with Spiced Meat
Pizza Algerienne is where North Africa meets Italy. On the southern shores of the Mediterranean, pizza gets a makeover with richly spiced ground meat, coriander, and cumin. It's fiery, aromatic, and filling—a perfect example of a global dish going local. The paprika-meat ragout reminds one of Lahmacun, but the addition of cheese and tomato sauce keeps it grounded in Italian tradition.
Ingredients
2 1/2
cups
All-Purpose Flour
3/4
cup
Water (plus 1 tbsp)
1
tsp
Active Dry Yeast
1
tsp
Salt
2/3
cup
Tomato Sauce
7
oz
Ground Beef or Lamb
1
whole
Bell Pepper (sliced into strips)
5
oz
Mozzarella Cheese
1
whole
Red Onion
2
tbsp
Fresh Parsley (or Cilantro)
1
tsp
Spice Mix (Cumin, Coriander, Paprika)
1
tbsp
Olive Oil
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Skillet for the ragout
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Allergen Information
Wheat
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Make the dough combining flour, water, yeast, and salt. Let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes.
Tip: Patience is key: allow the gluten structure to strengthen so it can hold the gas bubbles.
2
✓
Meanwhile, prepare the ragout: brown the meat in oil and add the spices. Cook until done but not dry.
Tip: Add spices (cumin, coriander) to the hot fat to bloom them and release their fat-soluble aromas.
3
✓
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough and spread with tomato sauce.
Tip: Don't drown it in sauce; the meat ragout brings its own juices.
4
✓
Sprinkle with cheese, then top with the spiced meat, onion rings, and pepper strips.
Tip: Placing cheese under the meat acts as a glue and protects the crust from getting soggy.
5
✓
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Tip: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro provide a cooling contrast to the spiced meat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cup Water (plus 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2/3 cup Tomato Sauce
- 7 oz Ground Beef or Lamb
- 1 whole Bell Pepper (sliced into strips)
- 5 oz Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 whole Red Onion
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (or Cilantro)
- 1 tsp Spice Mix (Cumin, Coriander, Paprika)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil