Braai Pizza (yes, it’s a real thing!)

Making pizza on a braai? Sounds crazy, right? But let me tell you, it’s a deliciously genius creation that combines two of my favorite things: outdoor cooking and pizza. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of braai pizza and how you can make it yourself.

What is braai pizza?

Braai pizza, also known as “barbecue pizza,” is exactly what it sounds like. It’s pizza that’s cooked on a braai, using all the smoky goodness of an open fire to create a unique and mouthwatering flavor. The heat from the flames not only cooks the pizza but also adds a charred, slightly crispy texture to the crust.

How to make braai pizza

Making braai pizza is surprisingly easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A grill or braai with a lid
• Pizza dough (you can make it from scratch or use store-bought)
• Tomato sauce
• Cheese (mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative!)
• Your favorite pizza toppings (think along the lines of fresh veggies, cured meats, and flavorful herbs)

And here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Start by preheating your braai or grill to high heat. You want it to be nice and hot!
2. Roll out your pizza dough into your desired shape and thickness. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; rustic shapes look great too!
3. Now it’s time to get creative with your toppings. Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust to form.
4. Sprinkle your cheese evenly over the tomato sauce. And don’t be shy with it – the more cheese, the better!
5. Next, add your favorite toppings. Feel free to mix and match flavors and textures to create your perfect pizza.
6. Once your braai is nice and hot, it’s time to cook the pizza. Carefully place the pizza onto the grill, close the lid, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Remove the pizza from the braai, let it cool for a minute or two, and then slice it up. Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade braai pizza!

Why braai pizza is the best

There’s something truly magical about cooking pizza on a braai. The combination of the smoky flavors from the fire, the charred crust, and the gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a unique way to enjoy the classic comfort food with a South African twist.

Plus, making braai pizza is a fun and interactive cooking experience. It’s a great way to gather friends and family around the fire, get creative with toppings, and enjoy the delicious results together.

In conclusion

Braai pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved culinary traditions – pizza and braai. It’s a creative and mouthwatering way to enjoy a homemade pizza with a smoky and charred twist. So why not fire up the braai, gather your loved ones, and try your hand at making braai pizza? Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Next time you go on a trip, forget about needing a fancy oven. Instead, just bring along a simple terracotta plate – the kind used for pot plants – and you’ll be able to cook amazing pizzas over the fire in no time at all.

I’ve got the perfect recipe to get you started on making these mouthwatering braai pizzas.

Hey there! I’ve got a helpful tip for you when it comes to traveling with mozzarella cheese.

Did you know that vacuum-packed mozzarella is the best option to take with you on your journeys? It’s true! The vacuum packaging keeps the cheese fresh and prevents it from spoiling. Plus, it’s super convenient to pack and carry around.

But what about the pizza dough?

Well, if you love making your own pizza, you might be wondering how to transport the dough without it getting squished or ruined.

Here’s a little trick: when you’re making your pizza dough, you can divide it into smaller portions and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to keep the dough fresh and makes it easier to transport. And when you’re ready to use the dough, simply unwrap it, let it rise, and you’re good to go!

So the next time you’re planning a trip and want to bring along some mozzarella cheese or make your own pizza, remember these handy tips. Happy travels!

Making pizza dough is a unique skill that improves with practice. The more you make it, the better you’ll become at achieving the perfect texture.

Here’s a recipe that will yield four large or six smaller pizzas:

– 1 teaspoon of instant dry yeast

– 1 cup of room-temperature water

– 2 cups of cake flour

– Coarse white flour (wheat flour), maize meal, or polenta for dusting the pizza bases

To begin, place the sugar and yeast into the water and wait for the yeast to start bubbling. This usually takes around three to five minutes.

In a separate mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast and sugar mixture. Don’t forget to add the olive oil.

Knead the dough for three minutes or until it feels smooth to the touch. Then, cover it with a damp tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes in a warm area, preferably close to a fire.

Once your dough has doubled in size, it’s time to knead it again to release any trapped air bubbles. After that, divide the dough into either four or six equal portions.

Now comes the fun part. With your hands, gently flatten and stretch each portion of dough to create a pizza base that will perfectly fit your terracotta plate. We used a 36cm-diameter plate, but you can adjust the size to your liking.

To prevent the dough from sticking, sprinkle some flour, maize meal, or polenta onto the bases. Then, place them on a well-floured surface and set them aside until you’re ready to add your favorite toppings.

Let’s make the Napoli sauce!

If you want to make sure you have enough sauce for every occasion, just triple the recipe and keep a jar handy. And don’t limit yourself to just using this sauce on pizza—it’s versatile enough to be used in other dishes like potjie or as a base for chunky sauces like chakalaka.

This recipe makes about two cups (450-500ml) of sauce and here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon dried sweet basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Start by charring the red peppers on an open flame until they turn black. Once blackened, remove them from the heat and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and let the peppers steam for about five minutes.

Now it’s time to peel off the blackened skin, remove the seeds, and add the pulp to a blender. To the blender, add the minced anchovies, garlic cloves, tomato paste, and olive oil.

Blend everything together until you have a smooth puree. Then, transfer the puree to a bowl and add the canned tomatoes and dried sweet basil. Mix everything together well, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you don’t plan on using the sauce right away, transfer it to a jar that has been sterilized. This will help preserve its freshness.

Grill Pizza

I want to show you a simple and delicious way to make mouthwatering homemade pizza on a braai. Here’s what you’ll need:

– A clean terracotta plate from your local nursery

– Coarse white flour, maize meal, or polenta

– Napoli sauce

– Olive oil

– Your favorite pizza toppings

To start, dust the terracotta plate with flour, maize meal, or polenta. This will make it easier to slide the pizza onto the plate and add a nutty flavor.

Next, preheat the plate on a braai grid over medium coals. Make sure it gets really hot so you can achieve a crispy crust with beautiful bubbles on your pizza.

Now it’s time to assemble your pizza. Use a well-floured wooden board as your workspace. Start by spreading three tablespoons of Napoli sauce on the pizza base, leaving a small space around the edges for a crispier crust. Brush the edges with olive oil to give them a golden color.

Now it’s time to get creative! Add your favorite toppings to the pizza. Whether you like classic margherita, loaded veggie, or something unique, the choice is yours.

Once your pizza is ready, quickly slide it onto the hot terracotta plate. Place it on the braai grid and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to rotate the plate every few minutes for even cooking.

Now it’s time to enjoy the tantalizing aroma and taste of your homemade pizza. Bon appétit!

Let’s get creative with your pizza! Instead of the traditional way of assembling it, where we cover our toppings with cheese, let’s try a different approach.

Think about the different flavors and textures that you can add to your pizza. How about separating the sauce and the toppings with a layer of cheese? This way, you can truly appreciate the beauty of each ingredient without them getting lost in a sea of cheese.

For a tasty Red Pizza, you’ll need 225g of thinly sliced chorizo, 250g of fresh mozzarella torn into chunks, and 100g of sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained). Once it’s cooked, drizzle some olive oil on top and garnish with fresh origanum or basil leaves for a burst of flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a Green Pizza. Simply grate 150g of mozzarella and sprinkle it on top. To add some freshness, serve your pizza with slices of avo. It adds a creamy and delightful touch to the whole experience.

And why not have pizza for breakfast? For a Breakfast Pizza, grate 150g of mozzarella and top it with 200g of sliced button or mixed exotic mushrooms. Here’s the twist – break an egg over the pizza before cooking it. This will give your breakfast a unique and delicious twist.

If you’re feeling experimental, you can even make a calzone. Just fold the pizza dough in half, enclosing the toppings inside. Bake it until golden and crispy, and you’ll have a delightful calzone with all the flavors you love.

So go ahead and try these different pizza ideas. It’s all about exploring new flavors and enjoying the process of creating your own delicious masterpiece. Get creative, and have fun!

If you want to try something fun and delicious, I have a great idea for you. You can make your own calzone, which is like a pizza folded in half. It’s really easy to do! Here’s what you need to do:

First, add your favorite toppings to one half of the pizza. You can use anything you like – cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, anything! Be creative and make it your own.

Next, carefully fold the other half of the pizza over the toppings. Press down lightly to make sure it stays closed. You don’t want any of that deliciousness to escape!

Now it’s time to cook your calzone. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the calzone on a terracotta plate and cover it with foil. This will help it cook evenly and keep all the flavors locked inside.

Put the calzone in the oven and bake it for 10 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake it for another 10 minutes. This will give it a nice golden crust and melt all the cheese inside.

When it’s done, take your calzone out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Be careful, it will be hot! Once it’s cooled down a bit, you can slice it up and enjoy your homemade calzone. It’s like having a pizza party in your mouth!

So why not give it a try? Making your own calzone is a fun and tasty way to get creative in the kitchen. Plus, you can customize it with all your favorite ingredients. So go ahead, have some fun and make yourself a delicious calzone!

Words and styling by Amerae Vercueil, Photographs by Andreas Eiselen