Zanzibar Pizza

Zanzibar Pizza – delicious Tanzanian street food treat
Tanzania
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Zanzibar Pizza is a beloved street food originating from the vibrant streets of Zanzibar, Tanzania. This delicious dish is a unique blend of flavors wrapped in a crispy dough, often enjoyed as a quick snack or meal. Commonly found at night markets, it showcases the rich culinary heritage of Tanzania and is a must-try for locals and visitors alike.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~420 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Water, as needed
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef or chicken
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead until a smooth dough forms.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

Stir in the ground beef or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Add the chopped tomato and green bell pepper, cooking until they soften.

Stir in the curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined.

Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and ketchup together.

Assemble the Zanzibar Pizza

Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle, about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.

Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.

Top the filling with a little of the mayonnaise-ketchup mixture.

Crack an egg over the filling, then fold the edges of the dough over to seal, creating a square or rectangular shape.

Fry the Zanzibar Pizza

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Carefully place the filled dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the pizzas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Serve

Serve the Zanzibar pizzas warm.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zanzibar Pizza?

Zanzibar Pizza is a savory stuffed flatbread filled with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices, then pan-fried to a crispy perfection.

Where does Zanzibar Pizza come from?

Zanzibar Pizza hails from the island of Zanzibar, part of Tanzania, and is a staple in its street food scene.

What are the main ingredients in Zanzibar Pizza?

Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, ground beef or chicken, onions, and vegetable oil.

How long does Zanzibar Pizza take to make?

Zanzibar Pizza takes approximately 80-105 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Zanzibar Pizza?

Serve Zanzibar Pizza with a side of spicy sauce or fresh salad for a complete meal.