Puerto Rican Vegan Crazy Crust Pizza: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

If you’re looking for a pizza that combines the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the convenience of a unique crust, you’re in the right place. Here’s a recipe for a Puerto Rican Vegan Crazy Crust Pizza that will transport your taste buds to the islands.

The Magic of Puerto Rican Flavors

Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its rich, bold flavors, thanks to the trio of essential spice blends: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito. These blends are the backbone of traditional Puerto Rican cooking and add a depth and authenticity that you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (you can substitute with a mix of oregano, cumin, and coriander for a more Puerto Rican flair)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (replace with flax or chia eggs for a vegan version)
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
• 2⁄3 cup (163g) plant-based milk, room temperature

Toppings

• Sofrito: Blend together 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh culantro (or recao leaves), and 1/4 cup chopped ají dulce peppers (or substitute with cubanelle or bell peppers). Sauté this mixture in a little olive oil until fragrant.
• Vegan Sausage: Use textured vegetable protein (TVP), marinated in a mix of Adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to add a tangy flavor. TVP is easily available in Puerto Rico and is very affordable.
  • Alternatively, you can use marinated tofu or tempeh, but TVP works wonderfully.
• Black Beans: Cooked black beans with a hint of cumin and coriander add a delicious and nutritious twist.
• Pizza Sauce: Use a homemade or store-bought pizza sauce with a sprinkle of Sazón for that golden-red color and depth of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for a vegan mozzarella cheese alternative.
• Additional Toppings: Chopped bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms sautéed with a bit of Sofrito.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Adjust your oven rack to the lowest position and preheat to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Crust:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, Italian seasoning (or your custom mix), salt, and black pepper. Add the flax or chia eggs and plant-based milk. Stir until the batter is smooth.

3. Bake the Crust:

   • Lightly spray a rimmed 10×15-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it evenly covers the bottom.
   • Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Add Toppings:

   • Top the crust with the sautéed Sofrito, TVP or tofu/tempeh marinated in Adobo, black beans, and additional toppings like bell peppers and onions.
   • Spread the pizza sauce over the toppings and sprinkle with vegan mozzarella cheese.

5. Finish Baking:

   • Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is hot and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro or culantro if desired.

Tips and Variations

• To enhance the flavors, sauté the Sofrito in olive oil before adding it to the pizza to “awaken” the flavors.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the TVP marinade.
• If you prefer a crisper crust, bake it for a few more minutes. If you’re using a skillet, it will yield a thicker, chewier crust.

Cultural Significance and History

The combination of Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito in this recipe honors the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. These spice blends have been passed down through generations, reflecting the island’s indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.

• Sazón: This vibrant spice mix adds a golden-red color and depth to your dishes, much like the traditional rice and stews of Puerto Rico.
• Adobo: This versatile dry rub enhances and tenderizes proteins, a technique that dates back to the colonial era.
• Sofrito: This aromatic base is a blend of fresh herbs and vegetables, forming the heart of many Puerto Rican dishes like rice, beans, and stews.

Conclusion

This Puerto Rican Vegan Crazy Crust Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together the vibrant flavors and cultural significance of Puerto Rican cuisine. With its unique liquid crust, flavorful Sofrito, and savory TVP, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, take a bite, and taste the warmth and hospitality of Puerto Rico in every delicious slice.

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