Description
This carnivore pizza recipe offers a hearty and satisfying lamb kofta pizza, perfect for busy weeknights and families. It features a savory lamb crumble base, rich cheeses, and fresh herbs, providing a high-protein and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, room temperature
- 12 ounces ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 cup passata (or plain tomato sauce)
- 7 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1.8 ounces aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
- 0.5 cup fresh mint leaves, packed and chopped
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Lamb and Pizza Dough: In a medium bowl, combine ground lamb with salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; mix gently and form into small crumbles. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add lamb, and cook until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes), then drain excess fat. Meanwhile, place a pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to 480°F (250°C) for 45-60 minutes until very hot. On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle and transfer to a pizza peel or parchment on a baking sheet.
- Assemble Toppings: Spread 0.5 cup passata evenly over the dough, leaving a 0.5-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) border. Distribute shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then scatter the cooked lamb kofta crumbles evenly. Arrange the thinly sliced red onion over the top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or steel. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and slightly charred, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. (If using a baking sheet, it may take a few minutes longer.)
- Finish and Serve: While the pizza bakes, whisk 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons za’atar blend in a small bowl. Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle chopped fresh mint and parsley over the hot surface. Drizzle generously with the za’atar oil. Slide onto a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve immediately (letting it rest for 5 minutes can help cheese set).
Notes
If your lamb seems a bit dry, a tablespoon of water or broth added while cooking can keep it juicy. Avoid overloading with toppings to ensure even baking. For a lighter pizza, use less cheese and lamb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: carnivore pizza, lamb kofta, family meal, high-protein, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Middle Eastern, zaatar, quick meal prep