The Recipe Files: Irish Pizza

Happy St. Patty's Day! Although the Irish aren't exactly known for their fine cuisine, I figured I would google Irish pizza and see what came up. Not only are there several pizzerias across the country serving such a thing today, but I also came across a recipe so you can try it at home:

Corned Beef and Cabbage Pizza

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 2 medium (14-inch) pies

Ingredients

For the dough:
2 teaspoons sugar
1 package active dry yeast
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl
3 cups all-purpose flour, or 2¾ cups plus ¼ cup whole-wheat flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon fine salt

For the toppings:
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
3 cups sliced green cabbage
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon pickling spices, tied securely in cheesecloth
1 large potato, peeled and thinly sliced
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 ounces sliced corned beef

Directions
Make the dough:
Whisk 1 cup warm water (105 degrees) with the sugar in a bowl; scatter the yeast over the top and set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. Stir in the olive oil.

Whisk the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to make a rough, shaggy dough.

Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. (Add more flour to prevent sticking, if necessary.) Form the dough into a ball; place in a large oiled bowl, turning to coat with oil.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature until the dough has doubled in size, about 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the toppings:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage, season with salt and cook until just soft, about 5 minutes. Add the pickling spices and just enough water to cover. Simmer over low heat, covered, until the cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the cabbage and set aside (discard spices).

Place a pizza stone in the oven, if you have one, and preheat to 500 degrees.

Toss the potato with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a single layer on a baking sheet until golden, about 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll one into a 14-inch round (keep the remaining dough covered). Place the round on a floured pizza peel (if baking on a stone) or a large oiled pizza pan; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Scatter half of each of the cheeses, corned beef, cabbage and potatoes on top. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully slip the pizza onto the hot stone, if using one, or place the pan in the oven. Cook until golden and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.

1 teaspoon pickling spices, tied securely in cheesecloth? I don't know about you, but this seems a bit complicated for a make-at-home pizza, especially after I've had a few black and tans. However, it does sound tasty. So here is what I would suggest:

Buy a pre-cooked, thin crust pizza shell (Boboli, Trader Joe's, etc.). Slather on some russian dressing, then top with steamed shredded cabbage, sliced corned beef and thin potato slices. Probably don't want to overdo it with the potato. Top with shredded mozz and pepper jack. Pop it in the oven for however long your shell instructions suggest and then sprinkle a bit of parm on top when it's done. MmmMmmGood ...