Thai Pizza with Shrimp

After much agonizing over some recent recipe experiments, I have finally decided to take the plunge and post one here. I concocted this a few weeks ago after eating both homemade pizza and Thai food in the same weekend, and realizing how awesome it would be to somehow combine the two.

A note about pizza in general and this recipe in particular: To my knowledge, there is no strict definition for pizza other than an open faced pie or oven-baked bread covered with sauce and cheese. According to one source, it is a misconception that "pizza" means "pie" in Italian. It actually means "a mess", which makes sense. In the spirit of both pizza and mess, please keep in mind that all ingredients and amounts listed should be subject to your own discretion and pleasure.

THAI PIZZA with SHRIMP

Pizza dough
Tea oil or light olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 inch ginger root, finely chopped

Sauce:
Combine the following:
1-3/4 cups plain tomato sauce
3/4 cups coconut milk or to taste
Juice from one half lime or to taste
1-2 tbsp sugar to taste
1-2 tbsp Huy Fong chili garlic sauce (or 1 tbsp red curry paste) to taste

Toppings:
About 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
About 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
8-10 large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined, halved lengthwise
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium white onion, julienned
6-8 medium mushrooms, thinly sliced
Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Start by simmering 2-3 cloves of finely chopped garlic and about 1 inch finely chopped ginger root in oil, at low heat for about 10 minutes, making sure garlic and ginger don't burn.

Brush pizza crust lightly with oil, add sauce to your liking and a thin layer of cheese. Add vegetables and shrimp, but save the cilantro and basil for later.

Bake at 400 degrees for 22-to 25 minutes. When there are about 5 minutes remaining, sprinkle with basil and cilantro leaves. Let cool for for a few minutes, and serve.

Enjoy!