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Time to step a little outside the box today.
With spiced up Moroccan Roasted Garlic Pesto and Cashew Pizza!
Trust me, I was scared.
Like very scared.
But thankfully it ended good!
Love. When. That. Happens.
This was my first venture into Moroccan cooking and even though I can’t honestly sit and tell you that this is an authentic Moroccan recipe, I can tell you it is dang good.
And my crazy brother Brendan would most likely tell you it is the best pizza he has ever had, but you can’t fully trust is opinion because like I said, he is totally crazy.
He does like good food though.
And apparently he really loves Moroccan. I guess there are a few places in the Portland, OR and Tahoe, CA area with some killer Moroccan food.
The only reason I am thinking this might not be all that authentic of a Moroccan recipe is because of all the cheese. All the warm ooey gooey fresh mozzarella AND feta cheese.
You can’t do pizza, not matter what ethic background it has, without cheese.
You just can’t.
And don’t try to tell me otherwise, because I’ll most likely argue it to the grave.
Now, let’s talk about the pesto.
Yeah, I am making you turn your ovens on. Sorry, but not really because it is totally worth it. Plus, I have now done two meal in a row that require no oven. This California Chicken and Rice Bowl and the Caribbean Jerk Salmon Tostadas (fine, you have to use the broiler for like a millisecond. I am not counting that.)
So what makes up Moroccan pesto (err…what I am calling Moroccan pesto)? Roasted garlic, cilantro, parsley and mint. It’s like a flavor bomb and it’s awesome. If you have any leftover you can eat it with naan (so good, just made this), pita bread, toast, spread it on sandwiches and on everything in between. It’s so crazy good.
I love roasted garlic and cilantro.
Oh and also mint. Ever since this Mint Pesto Pasta I have been looking for more savory ways to use mint. Any good ideas?
Other than the pesto this pizza also has tons of fresh late summer veggies.
Ah wait, late summer?? When and how did that happen? Please slow down time, please?
Back to the pizza. This thing is loaded with zucchini, red peppers and artichokes. It is kind of perfect for this time of year. So fresh, light and full of flavor!
Oh and the cashews? Well, those I have been adding to just about everything lately. Trust me, you’ll see soon.
Moroccan Roasted Garlic Pesto and Cashew Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pound of your favorite pizza dough
Moroccan Roasted Garlic Pesto
- 1 small head of garlic
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, torn
- 1/2 a jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoon cashews or pistachios
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Toppings
- 1 small Zucchini, sliced into thin rounds (or half of a large)
- 1 roasted red pepper, sliced thin strips (or half of a large)
- 6 ounce jar marinated artichokes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, use less for less heat
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, or a mix of green + kalamata
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbed
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
Instructions
- Prepare the [dough | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/thai-pizza/] 1 1/2 to 2 hours ahead of time. While the dough rises roast the garlic and make the pesto.
- Preheat oven to 375. Chop off the top portion of the garlic head to reveal cloves. Peel any excess paper/skin off from the bulb of garlic. Pour about a teaspoon of olive oil on top the garlic cloves and cover with foil and roast in a baking dish for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and soft. Allow to cool and then squeeze garlic out of the paper skin into a small bowl, set aside.
- Place the cilantro, parsley, mint, jalapeño, garlic and cashews in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until well chopped. Stream in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the feta and pulse a few more times or until combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl add the zucchini, pepper and drained artichokes. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, turmeric, and a pinch of pepper. Toss really well making sure the spices are evenly coating the veggies and there are no clumps. Set aside.
- Once the pizza dough is ready to go, divide the dough in half. Place half the dough aside for another use (or make 2 pizzas) or freeze for later. With the remaining dough roll/press into one 10 to 12 inch round circle or rectangle (you may go smaller or larger depending on how thick you want your crust). Top with as much of the pesto as desired and then sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese. Add the veggies in an even layer. Then sprinkle on the olives and half the feta cheese.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes or until your desired doneness. You may also cook this pizza on a pizza stone or using the [skillet method | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/green-olive-pesto-pizza-with-roasted-red-peppers-and-feta-stuffed-crust/], but I recommend cooking the veggies before hand.
- Let the pizza sit five minutes and then sprinkle with the roasted cashews and the remaining feta. Cut and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I promise I’ll be back to norm. I am thinking chocolate?? I’ll gladly take suggestions though??
I really love love pizzas – they can be pretty healthy and full of fun ingredients. I’d love to try this one – the pesto sounds awesome!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Maria!
I don’t think I’ve ever had Moroccan food before but this pizza is totally going to be my gateway into it! Looks and sounds AMAZING.
Thanks Stephanie!
This pizza sounds amazing, such wonderful flavors. I love the colors of it.
Thank you so much, Dawn!
This is amazing, girl!
Thank you, Rachel!!
Oh and I am working on my email to you, so much fun!
Moroccan flavors are my FAVORITE. Want to shove my face in this pie.
Hehe! I am loving the Moroccan flavors, they are so fun!!
Thanks Joanne!
Gorgeous flavors on this pizza!! I want it now!!
Thank you so much, Julie! After watching you grilled pizza video I was wishing I would have grilled this!
Oh my gosh this looks amazing! I am making pizza with my in laws this weekend and now I know what kind I am trying! Thanks for this recipe!
Oh I hope you love it!! Thanks so much, Taylor!
I love the ingredients you’ve added to this pizza recipe! Sounds amazing!
Thank you so much, Robyn!
Oh my gosh, so much talent! How in the world did you figure out how to make a Moroccan pizza if you’ve never made anything Moroccan before? It looks amazing, and I love all the veggies and spices and CHEESE you used. Pizza is. never. pizza. without cheese. I mean, I basically eat pizza for the warm, gooey, melted cheese. YUM!
Google!! Lol!! I google everything and like I said in the post. I am not 100% sure this is totally 100% Moroccan, but it was delcious!
Thank you so much, Alexandra!
That pizza in the first picture – I could just fold it up and eat it!
Oh wait…what’s this about cutting and serving at the end of your post?!?!?!?!!!!! 🙂
Seriously though – somethings are not meant for sharing!
Love that you used pesto instead of a tomato sauce for this pizza! Gorgeous photos!
Haha!! Thank you so much, Shashi!!
Cheese is totally required for sure! 😉 This pizza looks amazing!
I know, right?!? Thanks Jennifer!
This looks like the best pizza ever, must try it on the grill!
Thanks Laura!! I was just saying that I wish I would have grilled this pizza! Hope you love it!
Wow, this pizza sounds amazing! I know my whole family would love this. I definitely have to try this real soon. Pinning! 🙂
Thank you so much, Liz!! Hope you guys love this one!
have mercy! That looks sooo good I had to get up and eat something. I was salivating!
Incredible.. you impress me everyday.
hehe!! Thank you so much!!!
Happy to impress you everyday and thanks for reading everyday. You are the best!
First, I totally agree. Pizza without cheese is not pizza, it’s just stuff on flatbread. Second, cashews make everything better. You can put cashews on my pizza any day!
Yes and yes! You totally get me!! Cashews and cheese rule! Lol!
Thanks Jen!