Chinese Takeout Pizza
The method that I use to make pizza is from Melissa Clark via the New York Times. It works well for me, and can be found here. Of course, if you have your own favorite way to do it, have at it.
Ingredients
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1 one pound ball of pizza dough, homemade or store bought
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2-3 tablespoons cornmeal or flour
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Olive oil for brushing
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1-2 cups Szechuan eggplant in garlic sauce or leftover Chinese takeout of your choice
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Thai basil leaves for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 500 F. If using a pizza stone, place it on the center rack of the oven and heat for 1 hour. If using a baking sheet or pizza pan, do the same, but only heat for 30 minutes.
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Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Place it on a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet that has been sprinkled with some cornmeal or flour. Very lightly brush the dough with olive oil, and place the eggplant mixture on top, leaving a 1 to 2-inch outside border.
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Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone, baking sheet or pizza pan and bake for about 5-7 minutes. Then, turn on the broiler and broil for about 2-3 minutes. Keep your eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. The top should be golden brown, puffed up and a little blistered.
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Using tongs, remove pizza from the oven and slide it onto a pizza peel, pan or platter. Cut and enjoy!
Makes one 12-inch pizza.