Southwestern fried pizzas - country living

20 mini pizza

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Cornmeal variation of Basic Pizza dough
poundsGround beef
½cupChopped onion
1Clove garlic, finely chopped
1tablespoonChopped canned green chilies (hot or mild, to your taste)
1teaspoonChili powder
1teaspoonGround cumin
cupCrushed tomatoes
½cupFresh or thawed, frozen whole-kernel corn
2tablespoonsWater
¼teaspoonSalt
¼teaspoonGround black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
¼mediumRipe avocado
½cupSour cream
20Fresh cilantro leaves (opt.)

Directions

1. Prepare Cornmeal variation of Basic Pizza Dough. Set aside to rise.

2. Meanwhile, to prepare beef filling, in large skillet, cook beef until it loses its pink color. Add onion, garlic, chilies, chil1 powder, and cumin; cook until onion becomes translucent.

3. Add tomatoes, corn, water, salt, and pepper; cook, stiffing occasionally, 10 minutes over low heat. Keep warm.

4. In another large skillet, heat ½-inch oil to 325'F. Divide cornmeal dough in half. Shape each half into a 6-inch log. Slice each log into 10 pieces and shape each piece into a 3-inch round, rolling edges to form borders. Fry rounds, in batches, 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Add more oil to skillet, if necessary.

Drain on paper towels. Keep cornmeal rounds warm.

5. Cut avocado lengthwise into 10 slices then cut each slice crosswise in half. Top cornmeal rounds with beef filling, 1 t sour cream, and 1 avocado half-slice. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.

Country Living/October/90 Scanned & fixed by DP & GG