Gourmet Pizzas with a Twist of Local Balinese Flavor

Bali’s culinary landscape, celebrated for its fusion of tradition and innovation, provides a vibrant backdrop for reimagining gourmet pizzas with the island’s tropical ingredients and bold flavors.

Infusing classic pizza with Balinese staples like tempeh, sambal matah, and young coconut creates a unique fusion that honors the island’s rich produce while elevating a global favorite.

Whether you’re cooking in a bustling Ubud kitchen or a tranquil West Bali villa, crafting gourmet pizzas with authentic Balinese ingredients is a delightful way to explore the island’s culinary heritage.

This guide offers a step-by-step approach to creating two authentic gourmet pizza recipes Tempeh Sambal Matah Pizza and Coconut Betutu Pizza along with tips to master the craft, ensuring a delicious, healthful, and culturally inspired meal.

Let’s dive into crafting gourmet pizzas that celebrate Bali’s vibrant flavors.

Why Balinese-Inspired Gourmet Pizzas?

Pizza’s versatile canvas of dough, sauce, and toppings is perfect for showcasing Bali’s exotic ingredients. Incorporating local staples like tempeh, jackfruit, and fresh spices not only enhances flavor but also adds nutritional benefits.

Tempeh provides protein and probiotics, while spices like turmeric and galangal offer anti-inflammatory properties.

In Bali’s tropical climate, where fresh produce thrives in markets like those in Tabanan or Pemuteran, these pizzas align with the island’s sustainable ethos, using seasonal ingredients to create a wholesome, flavorful dish.

This guide focuses on authentic recipes inspired by Balinese cuisine, designed to bring the island’s essence to your table.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Authentic Balinese Gourmet Pizzas

Follow these steps to create gourmet pizzas infused with authentic Balinese flavors, tailored for home cooks or travelers eager to experiment in Bali’s tropical kitchens.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

A stellar pizza begins with a flavorful, airy crust that complements Balinese toppings. This dough, infused with rice flour—a nod to Bali’s rice-centric culture—offers a nutty flavor and crisp texture.

Ingredients (makes two 12-inch pizzas):

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup rice flour (sourced from West Bali markets)
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp palm sugar (gula Bali)
• 1 tsp sea salt (from Bali’s salt farms)
• 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
• ¾ cup warm water (40°C/104°F)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine yeast, palm sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix flours and salt in a large bowl. Create a well, add yeast mixture and coconut oil, and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in Bali’s warm climate (near a sunny window) for 1-2 hours until doubled.
5. Punch down, divide into two balls, and roll out into 12-inch rounds.

Tip: Rice flour adds a Balinese touch and a slightly crisp crust. The warm tropical climate accelerates rising, so check the dough after 1 hour.

Step 2: Create an Authentic Balinese Sauce

The sauce sets the tone for a Balinese-inspired pizza. This recipe uses a bumbu-inspired base, drawing from the spice blends used in traditional dishes like ayam betutu.

Bumbu Spice Sauce:

• ½ cup tamarind paste (from Tabanan markets)
• 1 tsp fresh grated turmeric
• 1 tsp fresh grated galangal
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp palm sugar
• 2 tbsp coconut milk
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi, optional for vegan)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a small pan, heat tamarind paste and coconut milk over low heat.
2. Add turmeric, galangal, garlic, palm sugar, shrimp paste (if using), and salt. Stir for 5-7 minutes until smooth and fragrant.
3. Cool slightly before spreading on dough.

Tip: Adjust tamarind for tanginess or palm sugar for sweetness to balance the bold spices. This sauce, inspired by Balinese bumbu, adds a zesty, aromatic depth to your pizza.

Step 3: Choose Authentic Balinese Toppings

Bali’s markets and culinary traditions inspire these gourmet pizza recipes, showcasing local ingredients and authentic flavors.

Tempeh Sambal Matah Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough round
• ½ cup bumbu spice sauce
• 100g tempeh, thinly sliced and pan-fried until golden
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white part finely sliced
• ½ cup shredded water spinach (kangkung)
• 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
• Juice of ½ kaffir lime
• ½ cup grated mozzarella (optional, for non-vegan)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F) or use a wood-fired oven if available in West Bali.
2. Spread bumbu sauce over dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
3. Arrange fried tempeh and kangkung evenly.
4. Mix onion, chilies, lemongrass, coconut oil, and kaffir lime juice to make sambal matah. Sprinkle over pizza.
5. Add mozzarella if desired.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and toppings are vibrant.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro or kaffir lime leaves.

Why It Works: Tempeh’s nutty, probiotic-rich profile pairs perfectly with the fiery, aromatic sambal matah, a Balinese raw chili relish. Kangkung adds a nutrient-packed crunch, making this pizza a bold, authentic representation of Bali’s flavors.

Coconut Betutu Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough round
• ½ cup bumbu spice sauce
• 1 cup young coconut meat, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded chicken (for non-vegan) or jackfruit (for vegan), boiled and tossed with betutu spice paste
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp chopped torch ginger (kecombrang)
• ½ cup coconut cream
• 1 tsp grated galangal
• 1 tbsp chopped basil

Betutu Spice Paste (for topping):

• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp galangal
• 1 tsp ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots
• 2 bird’s eye chilies
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)
• 1 tbsp palm sugar
• Blend with 1 tbsp coconut oil until smooth.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).
2. Spread bumbu sauce over dough.
3. Toss coconut meat and chicken or jackfruit with betutu spice paste, then spread over sauce.
4. Add bell pepper and drizzle with coconut cream.
5. Sprinkle torch ginger and galangal.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is crisp.
7. Garnish with fresh basil.

Why It Works: Inspired by Bali’s iconic ayam betutu, this pizza combines creamy coconut meat and aromatic betutu spices for a rich, authentic flavor. Torch ginger adds a floral, peppery note, while jackfruit offers a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture of pulled chicken.

Step 4: Bake with Precision

Achieving a crisp crust and vibrant toppings requires careful baking. In Bali, wood-fired ovens in warungs deliver smoky flavor, but a standard oven works well.

Preheat a pizza stone or baking sheet at 220°C (430°F) for 45 minutes to ensure even heat. Bake pizzas for 12-15 minutes, checking for a golden crust.

If using a charcoal grill, common in West Bali, cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating for even browning.

Tip: Brush the crust with virgin coconut oil before baking for a Balinese-inspired golden sheen and subtle sweetness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Elevate your pizza with fresh garnishes that reflect Balinese cuisine. Sprinkle chopped cilantro, basil, or kaffir lime leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serve with a side of sambal matah for extra heat or a small portion of sayur urab (mixed vegetable salad) to complete the meal.

Pair with a glass of fresh coconut water or kunyit asam (turmeric-tamarind jamu) for a refreshing, tropical complement.

Tips for Crafting Authentic Balinese Pizzas

To perfect your Balinese-inspired gourmet pizzas, keep these tips in mind:

• Source Local Ingredients: Visit markets in West Bali, like those in Pemuteran or Negara, for fresh tempeh, coconut, and spices to ensure authentic, vibrant flavors.
• Balance Flavors: Follow Balinese bumbu principles by balancing sweet (palm sugar), spicy (chilies), and tangy (tamarind) elements for a harmonious taste.
• Use Fresh Spices: Grind turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass fresh, as done in Balinese warungs, to maximize flavor and aroma.
• Experiment with Local Produce: Try seasonal ingredients like fern tips or green papaya for unique toppings, embracing Bali’s biodiversity.
• Store Properly: In Bali’s humid climate, refrigerate dough for up to two days or freeze for a month. Keep sauces and toppings in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Crafting Pizzas in West Bali

West Bali, with its serene beaches and sustainable food culture, is an ideal setting for creating these gourmet pizzas. Markets in Pemuteran and Tabanan overflow with fresh ingredients, while local warungs inspire with their use of bumbu spices.

Joining a cooking class in West Bali can teach you to master Balinese spice blends, enhancing your pizza-making skills. The region’s tranquil ambiance, from rice fields to coastal views, makes it the perfect place to savor your creations.

These authentic Balinese-inspired gourmet pizzas blend tropical ingredients with artisanal techniques, offering a delicious way to celebrate the island’s culinary heritage.

Whether you’re crafting a Tempeh Sambal Matah Pizza or a Coconut Betutu Pizza, you’ll create a meal that’s both nourishing and unforgettable.

For an authentic taste of this innovative fusion, visit AVOCADO RESTO in West Bali, where their gourmet pizza menu showcases local flavors like tempeh, sambal matah, and betutu-inspired toppings, crafted with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

Savor their plant-based creations, like the Tempeh Delight Pizza, in a cozy setting that captures the essence of West Bali’s vibrant food culture.