Whipped Peri-Peri Teff Artisan Pizza

• vegan
• african-fusion
• pizza
• teff
• gluten-free
• spicy
• plant-based
• artisan
• Nia

Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen, where we celebrate the vibrant pulse of African flavors! Today, I’m taking the 'whipped' artisan pizza trend and grounding it in the rich, earthy traditions of East Africa. By swapping standard wheat for a nutrient-dense teff and sorghum crust and using a whipped silken tofu base infused with fiery peri-peri, we create a dish that is light, airy, and deeply soulful. This is where the ancient grains of my home meet the modern cravings of the global palate.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Ivory teff flour
• 1 cup Sorghum flour
• 1 tablespoon Psyllium husk powder (for elasticity)
• 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup Warm water
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 1 cup Silken tofu, drained
• 1/2 cup Raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
• 2 tablespoons Peri-Peri spice blend
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 cup Fresh Sukuma Wiki (collard greens or kale), finely shredded
• 1/2 cup Cooked chickpeas, tossed in harissa paste
• 1 small Red onion, thinly sliced and sautéed
• 1 tablespoon Tamarind concentrate mixed with 1 teaspoon agave nectar

Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk together the teff flour, sorghum flour, psyllium husk, yeast, and salt.
• Gradually add warm water and knead until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms; cover and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
• Prepare the whipped base by blending silken tofu, soaked cashews, peri-peri spices, and lemon juice in a high-speed blender until light, fluffy, and mousse-like.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside.
• Divide the dough into two balls and roll them out thinly onto pieces of parchment paper.
• Par-bake the crusts for 8 minutes until they are firm to the touch.
• Remove from the oven and spread a thick, pillowy layer of the whipped peri-peri cream over the crusts.
• Top with the shredded Sukuma Wiki, harissa chickpeas, and sautéed red onions.
• Return to the oven for another 10-12 minutes until the edges are crisp and the greens are slightly charred.
• Drizzle with the sweet tamarind reduction before slicing and serving.

This Whipped Peri-Peri Teff Pizza is more than just a trend; it’s a testament to the versatility of African ingredients like teff and tamarind. I hope this fusion of textures and spices inspires you to look at plant-based African cuisine with fresh eyes. Enjoy every spicy, creamy, and crunchy bite—karibu chakula!

Nia