Heart-Shaped Halal Pepperoni (Printable Version)

A heart-shaped pizza with zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and halal beef pepperoni for a special meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Dough

01 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1 tsp sugar
03 - ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ For the Sauce

07 - 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Toppings

13 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 100 g halal beef pepperoni, sliced
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
16 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)

# Method:

01 - Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy and activated.
02 - Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly and knead for 5–7 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
03 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone or baking tray inside to heat thoroughly.
04 - In a small saucepan, combine tomato passata, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - Punch down the risen dough and divide in half. On a floured surface, roll each half into a heart shape approximately ¼ inch thick.
06 - Place shaped dough on parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of sauce over each, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then arrange halal pepperoni slices in a decorative pattern.
07 - Brush the crust edges with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
08 - Transfer pizzas with parchment onto the hot stone or tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve immediately while warm.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • The halal beef pepperoni gives you all that savory pepperoni flavor without compromising on dietary requirements
  • Making heart-shaped pizzas turns an ordinary Friday dinner into something that feels like a celebration
  • The homemade dough comes together faster than delivery would arrive, and tastes infinitely better
02 -
  • Preheating your pizza stone or baking tray is the secret weapon that creates restaurant-style crust at home
  • The dough might fight you a little when shaping into hearts, but rustic and handmade looks more charming anyway
  • Halal beef pepperoni cooks faster than pork versions, so keep an eye on it during those final minutes
03 -
  • Parchment paper is your best friend for transferring shaped dough onto the hot stone without disaster
  • Let the baked pizza rest for just 2 minutes before slicing, or the cheese will slide right off

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