Chorizo Pizza

I was inspired to make a "Mexican" pizza by this recipe in July issue Food and Wine. I almost called this Mexican pizza too, but I just couldn't bring myself to put that name on something so not Mexican, even if it does use ingredients common in Mexican cooking. My pizza is a bit reminiscent of a the black bean and chorizo tortas I made a while back. Chorizo is as prevalent in Mexico as bacon is here, and like bacon, it makes everything better.

Pizza is one of the best ways to get creative in the kitchen, especially if you're not particularly culinarily-inclined. I've had big success with nontraditional pizzas like this one and Smoked Salmon and Asparagus pizza. Pizzas are a great weeknight dinner which can be healthy or indulgent, traditional or adventurous, simple or labor-intensive, and are infinitely customizable to individual taste.

Chorizo Pizza

1 c. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 c. roughly chopped roasted red pepper
2 cloves garlic
2-3 t. chili powder, depending on personal taste
Salt
One 12-inch whole wheat pizza crust
One 4- to 5-ounce piece chorizo
1/2 c. fresh or frozen corn or canned corn, rinsed and drained
1/4 c. chopped white onion
3/4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce (such as Tapatio), for topping (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (or as directed on pizza crust package). Place black beans, roasted red peppers, garlic, and chili powder in a food processor and process to desired consistency, depending on how you like your pizza sauce. Add salt to taste. Spread evenly over crust.

 2. Slice chorizo into approx. 1/2-inch thick slices (or thicker, if you want). Cook in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are seared and chorizo is cooked through. Drain on paper towels and blot away excess grease. Cut larger slices in half, if desired. Distribute evenly over pizza.

3. Sprinkle corn and chopped onion evenly over pizza. Top with shredded cheese.

4. Bake pizza for 12 to 14 minutes, or as directed on crust package, until cheese is melted and starting to brown. Top with salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce if desired. Cut into 8 slices.