Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe MonicaCharrovida Recipe

Charrovida Recipe

Inspired by The Monica
Time1h
Serves4

vegan mozzarella, marinara, chickpea chorizo, sautéed onion, red & green bell peppers, fresh herbs, cilantro

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Ingredients

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Dough

Marinara

Finish & serve

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate yeast

    Pour the warm water (240 ml) into a small bowl, stir in the sugar and yeast, and let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, the yeast may be inactive—use fresh yeast.

  2. 2

    Mix dough

    In a large bowl combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tbs olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes).

  4. 4

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30–40 minutes.

  5. 5

    Divide and rest

    Punch down the dough, divide into 4 equal pieces for 4 pizzetas. Lightly cover and let rest 10 minutes before shaping.

Marinara

  1. 6

    Cook sauce

    Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10–12 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed. Keep warm off the heat.

Chickpea chorizo

  1. 7

    Crumble chickpeas

    Place the drained chickpeas in a food processor and pulse 6–8 times until coarsely crumbled but not pureed (you want some texture). Alternatively, mash with a fork or potato masher.

  2. 8

    Season and cook

    Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled chickpeas, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 6–8 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and slightly caramelized. Add the apple cider vinegar or lime juice at the end, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Keep warm.

Vegetables

  1. 9

    Sauté vegetables

    In a skillet, heat 1 tbs olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, salt and pepper. Sauté 6–8 minutes until softened and edges begin to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cheese & herbs

  1. 10

    Prepare toppings

    Shred or measure out 2 cups of vegan mozzarella. Chop 1/2 cup cilantro and 2 tbs parsley/oregano. Combine a portion of chopped cilantro with parsley if you prefer the herbs mixed into the pizza topping rather than only as garnish.

Assembly & bake

  1. 11

    Preheat oven and prep surface

    Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have a stone, preheat the baking sheet and proceed the same way.

  2. 12

    Shape pizzetas

    On a lightly floured surface, press or roll each dough ball into a 7–8 inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle a baking peel or another inverted baking sheet with the cornmeal/semolina to prevent sticking; transfer the shaped dough to that surface.

  3. 13

    Top

    Brush the dough edges lightly with olive oil. Spread about 1/4 cup of the marinara over each crust, leaving a small rim. Distribute the sautéed peppers and onions across the pies, then spoon on 1/4 of the chickpea chorizo on each. Top with about 1/2 cup of the vegan mozzarella per pizzeta (adjust to preference). Sprinkle a little of the chopped herb mixture and red pepper flakes to taste.

  4. 14

    Bake

    Slide the pizzetas onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted. Rotate midway if your oven has hot spots. Baking time will vary depending on oven and thickness.

Finish & serve

  1. 15

    Garnish

    Remove pizzetas from the oven. Let rest 1–2 minutes, then sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and a few additional parsley leaves or oregano. Squeeze a lime wedge over each pizzeta if using.

  2. 16

    Serve

    Slice each pizzeta into 3–4 pieces and serve hot. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through to keep the crust crisp.

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