Taco Pizza with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce

It is true that cooking Mexican dishes, is probably what I do best. I grew up eating my mom and my masi’s (masi = mom’s sister) versions of their favorite mexican restaurant dishes at home and I’ve been obsessed ever since.  They would whip up everything from chimichangas,  to salsas which always tasted more like chutney (lol!). What they did best though, was take flavors from the original versions and find ways to update them with more flavorful masalas and complimentary ingredients like cumin, cilantro and an assortment of peppers. Of course we always added a ton more spice to these dishes as well. Seriously, serranos and jalapenos went into everything.

My recipes, like theirs, are nowhere close to “authentic mexican” food. They are however, reminiscent of the delicious versions I grew up eating and have since updated with my own twists. This mexican pizza or taco pizza, is one of the very few things my mom has ME make for HER. I will be sharing a lot more of my favorite Indian/Mexican recipes but this one is one of my all time favorites.

I use a ready made pizza crust from Stonefire  that I really love! Their crust gets nice and crispy in the oven and is just the right thickness for all the toppings that get loaded on. Plus, it just saves me a lot of time. You could also use your own pizza dough recipe or a refrigerated version as well!

I do have one request, if you are going to make this pizza, do NOT ..under ANY circumstance skip the sauce! Also, do not replace the mayo with greek yogurt or other weird stuff because if you do, I will find you and I will yell at you. Please, just try it my way first, you will love it!

I topped my pizza with sliced avocado which added the perfect butter creaminess to the pizza, especially against the bright and zesty cilantro sauce!

If you have any questions about the recipe or substitutions, comment below and I will reply lighting fast!

Happy Eating ! 🙂

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Taco Pizza with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce

Prep 20 mins

Cook 15 mins

Total 35 mins

Yield 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 tbsp oil

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced small

1/2 cup onion, diced smal

2 jalapenos, diced small

Few Dashes favorite hot sauce ( I love Cholula)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp taco seasoning

1 tsp chili powder

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup shredded mexican blend cheeses (cheddar & jack)

1/3 cup sliced green onions

1 cup lettuce, chopped

Garnishes: Sliced avocado, olives, pico de gallo, sliced jalapenos

Jalapeno Cilantro Sauce

Combine the following in a blender or food processor:

1/2 cup mayo

1 cup cilantro, chopped

1 Jalapeño

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1 garlic clove

squeeze fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium sauce pan heat oil. Once hot add cumin seeds and jalapenos.
3. Add onion, red bell peppers, cilantro and stir continuously until onions and peppers have softened.
4. Add beans (drained & rinsed), taco seasoning, chili powder, hot sauce and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and using a hand blender, blend the beans until they are smooth and creamy. ( You can also use a potato masher to mash them or transfer them to a food processor).
6. Place the pizza crust on a non stick perforated pizza pan (or follow directions if using fresh dough).
7. Spread the beans mixture onto the crust evenly. 
8. Top with shredded cheese, sliced green onions and bake for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden on the edges.
9. Remove from oven, top with lettuce, drizzle with Jalapeño sauce and garnish with sliced avocado, pico de gallo, hot sauce etc!

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