📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This is crucial for a crispy crust!
2. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Give it a quick whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Next, make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
3. Gradually add ½ cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, until manageable. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
5. Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. It’ll almost double in size!
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the spicy beef rendang filling. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
7. Add 1 tablespoon of rendang paste (or more, to taste!), 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until it's cooked through and fragrant. Yumm!
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape on a lightly floured surface. You want it thin enough to cook properly.
9. Transfer the rolled-out dough to your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border.
10. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then spread the cooked spicy beef rendang evenly over the cheese. Top with sliced chilies if you dare!
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary wildly in cooking times.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. I added some fresh cilantro right before serving for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy!