Pastrmajlija – Macedonian Pizza

Pastrmajlija rank 4th in the list of the best foods in north Macedonia with recipe. This Macedonian treat is basically a cooked dough pie. It has an oval form and a crust that isn't too thick or too thin. Pastrmajlija is topped with little bits of salted chopped pork or chicken meat, as well as, believe it or not, pork grease. Macedonians enjoy making pastrmajlijas with pork fat because it softens and tenderizes the dough while also imparting an incredible scent.

Pastrmajlija is prepared differently in different cities around Macedonia, and each restaurant adds their own creative flavor. A beaten egg may be placed on top of a Pastrmajlija. Melted cheese and mushrooms may also be added as toppings. There is one certainty. It is always served with hot green finger peppers on the side for a fiery bite. This Macedonian Pastrmajlija recipe calls for a pizza stone since it softens the dough and ensures that your pastrmajlija always tastes right. A pizza stone can be found here.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup warm water, 1 tsp salt, 1 packet (about 2 tsp) active dry yeast, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 pound boneless pork chops, cut into small cubes, 1 TBSP olive oil plus a little extra, 2 TBSP unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 2 large egg

Instructions

• In a stand mixer or large bowl add the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over top. Add the flour and the 1 tsp salt, mix until well combined and dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
• Knead the dough 10 minutes by hand or about 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
• Form the dough into a ball and place in a large bowl with the 1 tsp of olive oil. Flip the dough ball around to cover in the oil then loosely cover the dough and put in a warm place to rise for about 45 minutes.
• In a large bowl add the cubed pork, the 1 TBSP olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne. Toss to combine, cover and set aside while the dough rises.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• When the dough has risen punch it down and form it into 2 equal size balls. Place the dough balls on a lightly oiled baking sheet and form each ball into an oval shape roughly 14 inches by 6 inches and roll up the edges to form a lip about 3/4 inch high all the way around.
• Brush the inside of the dough oval with the butter. Sprinkle the pork cubes on top of each dough oval then bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
• Remove the pizzas from the oven. Whisk the eggs in a bowl then pour evenly over the inside of the pizzas over top of the pork.
• Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for about 5 more minutes or until eggs are set and crust is golden brown.