Caramelized Onion, Purple Potato and Pistachio Pizza

149 Replies

Lately, Friday night has become Pizza Night in our household.  …Vegetarian Pizza Night, to be more accurate.  I make the dough, sauces, and chop up all the toppings in the afternoon, let the dough rise for a few hours; and by the time Piyush and I are ready for dinner, all I have to do is toss it in the oven and wait for it to bake.

I tend to make mostly vegetarian pizzas (there are some exceptions) because I don’t believe Piyush and I need to eat meat every single day.  I also think vegetables are so vibrant and beautiful…meat would only ruin the beauty of the pizza.

This week, I got the idea to use pistachios on our pizza.  I thought the green would be pretty, and the flavor would be unique.

As always, I used my typical whole wheat pizza crust recipe (you can check it out here).  I did make one small change, though.  Instead of normal whole wheat flour, I used Indian atta (chapati flour).  Atta is also a whole wheat flour.  I’m not entirely sure what the difference between atta and regular whole wheat flour is–I think it seems less course (although wikipedia says it should be more course).

What I do know, is that atta makes the dough feel different and the result is a fabulously crunchy and thin crust!

To give the pizza some nice garlic flavor, I made chili and garlic-infused olive oil; and brushed the crust with the oil before pre-baking the crust (I always bake my crust 5 minutes on a pizza stone at 450 degrees F before I put any toppings on.  I think this helps keep the crust nice and crunchy).

Perfect Thin Crust!!!

To make the oil, I simply took a small bottle of olive oil–no need to buy anything super expensive–and poured it over a couple heads of garlic that I had sliced in half and some chilies that I had made a few slits into.

chili and garlic infused olive oil

I tossed it in a oven that had been pre-heated to 300 degrees F and let the garlic and chilies roast for about an hour.

Once it had roasted for an hour, I took it out of the oven and let it cool for a bit.  I then strained the oil into bottles and jars.  The oil should last a couple months as long as they are stored in air-tight containers and kept in a cool, dark place.

chili and garlic infused olive oil

Also…after you strain the oil, don’t throw those roasted garlic cloves away!  Give them a little squeeze and you’ll have delicious, roasted garlic!  Store this in a container in your refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

…Back to the pizza!  After I brushed the dough with olive oil, I cooked the crust for 5 minutes at 450 degrees.  I then brushed on a little more oil; and topped the crust with shredded fontina cheese, very thin slices of purple potatoes (which I cooked in a tiny bit of oil for about a minute), pistachios and caramelized onions–cooked with a little ground clove, cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala and tumeric.

I tossed the pizza back in the oven (still heated to 450 degrees F) and let it cook for 15 more minutes.  Once the crust started to brown, I took the pizza out and drizzled it with a little bit of pistachio honey.  I had gotten the honey from a local shop–in a 3 dollar grab bag.  It tastes good, yes…but I think you could easily substitute regular honey with a little powdered pistachio mixed in.

Pistachio Honey

I also chopped up a bit of cilantro…and dinner was done!

Caramelized Onions with Indian Spices, Purple Potatoes and Pistachios…drizzled with Pistachio Honey

This pizza combination was awesome!  It really tasted very, very gourmet.  The only (small) change I would make would be to add more caramelized onion!  The sweetness that the onions added to the pizza was much needed…and absolutely mouth-watering.  They also gave my pizza a little Indian flair! 🙂

The little purple potatoes look like purple pepperonis!!!

mmmm.

I also replenished my curry base stock.

curry base!

Planted my potatoes.

All Blue Fingerling Potatoes …set out for chitting (sprouting). I also planted another gold colored fingerling, some red potatoes and some yukon golds.

And started a new project.

This is a cutting board my dad gave me.  My grandpa made it when he was a little boy.  I’m going to sand it down, oil it up and hang it on one of the walls in my kitchen.  I love my grandpa an awful lot (I hope you’re reading this, Old Man!), and I think this cutting board will be perfect in my house!

Saturday was a fun night spent with my husband, sister and niece.  We went shopping.  We ate Mexican food.  We made a diaper cake (for Summer’s baby shower).

Cell phone pictures!!!

Summer—if you’re reading this, you get a sneak peek at the diaper cake for your shower! It’s not done yet, but it’s looking pretty. 

My niece, Madelyn, turns two next month.  She’s a little ball of energy; and as cute as anything!  She’s also incredibly hilarious and can make anyone laugh in about two seconds.  I swear, that kid can always make me crack up!

Madelyn also believes she is a dinosaur. Seriously.

She’s learning a lot of new words now, and has even began to call people by their names.  That is…everyone except me.  She calls my grandma “Judy” (where she learned to call my grandma by her first name, I’m not sure), and my sister-in-law Amanda.  She even calls Piyush by his name (and pronounces it nearly perfect!); but ask her what my name is, and she will always say “Auntie Treat.”

Its true, I probably do spoil her.  I give her tea biscuits and grapes when she comes to visit (ok…sometimes I give her jelly beans).  I usually have some sort of toy or trinket for her to take home; and I always have “juice” (water) in fancy Dora cups.

But come on!  She can say Piyush, but she can’t say Shari?  Oh well.  Auntie Treat isn’t so bad…right?

P.S.  New Curry Recipe coming soon… Lamb with Apricots and Almonds

149 thoughts on “Caramelized Onion, Purple Potato and Pistachio Pizza”

  1. cravingsofalunatic

    Wow, this is just out of this world. I am in complete awe. I am such a huge pistachio fan. This is getting made here. Love it. Your niece is adorable. I say spoil her, you can never spend too much time with kids.

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      I wish I could share a slice of this pizza with you through the computer! If you love pistachios…you’d love this pizza!
      And, I’ll surely keep spoiling her!…and my nephew too. 🙂

      Reply ↓
      1. Shari Post author

        That sounds so good! …I have an idea for a pizza using pears. I might try it out sometime soon, but first I have to get my husband on board with the idea. He’s not sure he’s willing to try pears on a pizza yet.

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  4. Paige at The Spice House

    I am totally stealing your toppings for our next pizza night. I love goat cheese/walnut/thyme honey pizza, but your combination sounds even better! The Indian spiced onions sound particularly good, and like they’d be useful in all kinds of places.

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Please do!!! MMM… goat cheese/walnut/thyme —I might be stealing your toppings too!!! 🙂

      As for the onions, They would be absolutely delicious on pretty much anything! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Wow! I am honored that my pizza reminds you of beautiful works of art by such incredible artists!!! I’m honored for my food to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Vermeer (and Carravaggio)!!! Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      That sounds absolutely delicious! …I used the roasted garlic a few days later and made a simple mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce pizza. It was divine!

      Reply ↓
  8. Janice Crowe

    This pizza…It’s no wonder it was featured on food buzz! On my blog, I feature vegan versions of my favorite recipes. Do you think this could be easily adapted or would I sacrifice a lot of the essential flavors?

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      thank you! I’m glad the pizza caught your eye! 🙂

      As for making the pizza vegan, I don’t think it is impossible.

      I would replace the honey with agave—even crush up some little pistachio nuts and mix them together. Heat the mixture up slightly so it’s easier to drizzle.

      The Cheese is the only real problem. I haven’t found a vegan cheese I’ve liked; and I’ve tried a lot! I’m actually allergic to dairy and break out in hives when I have too much (you wouldn’t know it from the blog, but it’s true!)–because I haven’t found any good substitutes for foods I love…I usually suffer though.

      I would say skip the cheese altogether and increase the amount of caramelized onions. Adding more onions will help keep the pizza from becoming too dry.

      I hope that works for you!!! If you have any questions, let me know!

      Reply ↓
      1. Janice Crowe

        Thank you for all the advice! I know of a few homemade vegan cheese recipes and I’d like to try them out this weekend. Maybe I’ll make a bunch of little pizzas to taste test…I will certainly let you know if I have any questions.

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  15. Mauro Olivieri

    Your post is really nice and the images are great… as an Italian pizza eater I wonder if this would be appreciated in Italy’s pizzerias… 🙂 anyway I am sure that your recipe is worth to be tasted 😉 best greetings from Rome.

    Reply ↓
  16. Jack

    Love the nutty taste of the purple potatoes, and the herb-cheese-onion-pastachio combination sounds incredible. Will be adapting this to be gluten-free and trying as soon as possible!! Thanks for sharing

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Very awesome! When you adapt it, I’d love to know how it turns out! …I’ve never experimented with gluten free crusts…yet.

      Reply ↓
  17. sarahsfoodieblog

    Pizza sounds delicious. I love the flavour combinations- will have to give it a try! Also what a great tip about the flour! Ive started making my own pizzas more often (and in fact blogged about it only last week) so thank you for sharing

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      I still haven’t figured out why the atta flour works the best…but it does! …and it’s cheap! You can get a 5 lb. bag at an Indian store for around 4 dollars. —That will make a lot of pizza! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  19. Carlie Chew

    Sounds and looks delicious! I would have never thought to put purple potatoes or pistachios on a pizza. Thanks and congrats on being posted!

    Reply ↓
  25. blackwatertown

    That is an excellent combination for a pizza – the likes of which I have never before encountered. But I will in the future – because I’m going to use your receipe.

    Reply ↓
  26. mdprincing

    wow does that sound delicious. I too am a thin and crispy pizza chef, we make our dough and freeze it until needed on friday or saturday nights, varies by time of year. I enjoy the challenge of making veggie pizza’s with in season ingriedients, easy in August, not so much in January. This week will be a asparagus & garlic white pizza with a little bit of home made garlic sauce.

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Yum! that sounds amazing!

      I also freeze my pizza crust, it tastes so much better than buying pre-made stuff…and it’s nearly as easy!

      Reply ↓
      1. mdprincing

        I will have to try your dough, sounds good.

        when you get your cutting board back in shape use mineral oil. Food based oils will go rancid, mineral won’t and it keeps the wood looking good and the bad stuff from soaking in.

  29. rlogan1155

    As a recent vegan I found this post interesting as I said in my last post, the thing I miss most is PIZZA! I wonder how your pizza would taste without the cheese. Great ideas.
    Ruth from At Home on the Road

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      I’m not sure…but I think if you increase the caramelized onions…you might not even miss the cheese! Maybe use the roasted garlic (from making the chile-garlic oil), and spread that on the crust first.

      Reply ↓
  30. bumbleberry breeze

    Hi Shari- just stumbled onto your blog and thrilled I did- I think you are probably your niece’s favorite big person because she made up a special name for you – your photos are lovely and this pizza has a delicious combo on it- esp the caramelized onions- very very delicious and versatile- am in love with garam masala and will use this and credit you for inspiring me when when I do a post using these onions on my blog- thank you! Judy ps congrats on the nominations

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Thanks Judy! I hope you do use the recipes…and enjoy the onions. The sweetness of caramelized onions pairs so well with the slight kick of the Indian spices!

      Reply ↓
  35. catlj88

    I absolutely love the combination of flavours you’ve used here, sounds brilliantly gourmet, and I love pizzas that don’t need cheese – so much better than using substitutes (I’m vegan so many vegan pizzas ask for fake cheeses – ew). Beautiful photography too!

    Reply ↓
  36. Keith Miller

    I don’t know which is better, the amazing pictures or that delicious looking pizza. Either way, I’m going to have to keep stopping by to learn more of these amazing meals you concoct on such a frequent basis. By the way, I have never seen a potato look like that! Where can I find those?

    cc:Keith

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      Keith,
      Thanks for the compliments!
      Purple potatoes are also known as Puruvian potatoes…and they’re amazing! They actually taste quite similar to a yukon gold (in my opinion), but the color is so vibrant!
      I purchased mine at my local grocery store…I’m not sure if they’re available year-round. They’re a little on the pricey side (for the amount of potatoes you get. I think my bag was 2 lbs, and it cost 5 dollars). You can definitely find seed potatoes online and plant your own! …I’m giving it a shot this year and have 4 different varieties planted in 5 gallon buckets.

      Reply ↓
  39. home, garden, life

    OMG! I have not had dinner tonight–been in the garden all day! Oh how I wish I could pick up the phone and order a delivery of this NOW! Teaser! 😉

    Please visit my world/blog. D.

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      wouldn’t that be nice? My hubby and I went to a pizza place yesterday…it was a huge disappointment compared to what I make at home!

      I’ll check it out!

      Reply ↓
      1. home, garden, life

        Shari- I gave up eating out years ago, as I find food overpriced and over rated. Best food is at home!
        Bon Appetit!

  44. Astrid

    We have home made pizzas most Fridays as well, and have discovered that less is definitely more with the toppings. Pistachio and purple potato are a great idea for toppings – might try that this weekend!

    Reply ↓
  47. Cherszy

    This is definitely something new to me, and I find it very interesting. I love pizza to bits, so I’m sure I will enjoy this. Maybe I’ll skip the pistachio part though as I’m not a fan of it, but I’m sure the pizza will still be equally good?

    Anyway, thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      I think the pizza would still be good without the pistachios. Maybe add almonds or cashew nuts? I like the extra crunch…but you can definitely leave the nuts off.

      Reply ↓
      1. Cherszy

        Yeah, that’s right! I’ll try adding some cashews instead and see how it turns out. Thanks for that tip, Shari! 🙂

  48. onceuponarecipe

    This looks ridiculously fabulous! I would never have thought to combine these ingredients, but it makes for a stunning pizza! Plus, I love the idea of Friday night pizza nights! Homemade no less!

    Reply ↓
  50. veggiezest

    that looks delicious..I am a big fan of thin crust rustic pizzas. I love mixing up the toppings too. I like the Indian twist in it. I love Indian flavors, what can I say–its in my blood 🙂

    Reply ↓

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  60. veghotpot

    What a unique and beautiful pizza! I would never have thought to add pistachios or potato onto a pizza but when you see it like that it all makes sense. gorgeous photos too so vibrant!

    Reply ↓
  64. vezinak

    Oh wow, this pizza sounds and looks amazing! My boyfriend and I are obsessed with pistachios – so I must try this recipe. 😀

    Reply ↓
  65. Robin

    So funny- I’ll be posting tomorrow about my pizza with caramelized onions, too. I love the addition of the purple potatoes though! Really makes for a gorgeous pie! The picture of the potatoes is great.

    Reply ↓
  69. hermosausaadmin

    This recipe looks divine! My favorite picture is the slice “floating” above the rest of the pizza. That’s pure genius and I hope you don’t mind that I’m going to steal that idea when taking food pics! Cannot wait to try the recipe out and share it with my family. We need to reduce our meat consumption and increase veggies! ^_^ Congrats on being FP!

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      haha I’m glad you like the floating pizza. I debated putting that pic on the post because I thought it looked a little silly! I hope you make the pizza…and enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  77. islandpicsapril

    ive gotta try your dough recipe – ive tried different doughs and have had no luck – i like THIN and crispy, and its hard to do lol – if i can just get past that i can work on the pizza part – but the dough is half the battle …

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      try my version…I think the secret to a crispy thin crust is to pre-bake the crust for about 5 minutes—high temperature–on a pizza stone.

      Reply ↓

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  79. Nahed Omer

    It is nice to keep our childhood memories. Like keeping the cutting board from grandba.

    Thank u for sharing bizza recipe with us.

    Reply ↓
  80. Nahed Omer

    It is so nice to keep our childhood memories.Like keeping the cutting board that was gift from grandpa.

    thank u for the recipe

    Reply ↓
  82. Shoba

    looks so colourful and lovely and really enjoyed the indian twist on the pizza. love the natural sunlight streaming through your windows. Loved the purple potatoes…the piggy cutting board, the diaper cake adn just about every pic…COngrats on getting featured on FP…
    Shobha

    Reply ↓
  83. Becky

    Sounds amazing. I am in love with caramelized onions on my pizza in place of pizza sauce or cheese. Can’t wait to try out something similar to your pizza. The last pizza I made with caramelized onions I added pine nuts which was fun. But I never would have thought of adding potatoes!

    Reply ↓
  85. notsoskinnycook

    Wow! Thanks for the inspiration! Pizza is also tradition in our house on Friday. i have not made my own pizza base yet, but I have bought 00-flour and will be giving it a bash soon. Keep up the good work on your blog…..

    Reply ↓
  88. Jar Of Salt

    I’ve been scouring the net for blog-based recipes and I’m bookmarking this one 🙂 Food looks good. Thank goodness atta flour is widely available in our area — so excited to try!

    Reply ↓
  94. nazarioartpainting

    Look delicious your pizza. A few days ago, I tried to make my own pizza too. I did with red pepper, garlic, spinach (because I love the spinach), white cheese,black olives and I used wheat flour. And now I take your receipe. Thank You for sharing Mmm! ¡ Delicioso! (That is delicious in Spanish language) 😉

    Reply ↓
  97. laurenc129

    Oh my this is impressive! I think you need a TV show! I love pistachios, so I’m very excited to try this. I’ve been wanting to try purple potatoes. I just couldn’t find a good enough (vegetarian) recipe for me to do so. Thanks!!

    Reply ↓
  102. oceannah

    YaY for the planting of the ‘taters…just got ours in also. Looks like a tasty treat you cooked up there 🙂 Caramelized onions with just about anything are right up my alley. Thanks.
    *anna

    Reply ↓
    1. Shari Post author

      I’m not sure if its a lizard, a crocodile or a dinosaur. She thinks it’s a dinosaur though…and she loves it! I think we got it from the dollar store…

      Reply ↓

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