Pizza in a Pinch

Happy New Year! With the bustle of the holidays behind us, we can all settle into our daily routines again and get pumped up for an exciting year ahead. One new venture that Sound Dietitians will be pursuing in 2016 is teaching hands-on family cooking classes at Verdant Community Wellness Center in Lynnwood, Washington. Our first class in January will be all about pizza, from homemade dough to freshly blended marinara sauce to simple tips for quick prep. And the best part is, we’ll get to directly involve kids in the cooking process. Actively including kids in meal planning and food preparation helps develop important life skills and is one of the best ways to promote appreciation for healthy eating early on.
 
One recipe we will be teaching in our pizza class is a personal favorite: tortilla pizza! This is a quick recipe for those days when you’re craving a crispy, tasty pizza but want to get dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less. There is no need to fuss with dough because a whole wheat tortilla or flatbread makes the perfect base. Just add sauce, top it, and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F – quick, easy, and delicious!

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Here is my go-to recipe to get you started:
 
Garlic Olive Oil Drizzle

• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and spices and sauté for about a minute. The garlic should be aromatic. Do not overcook and burn.

Building Your Pizza

• Prepared olive oil drizzle, or about 1 Tablespoon of your favorite sauce
• 8-inch whole wheat soft shell tortilla (or your favorite flatbread)
• 1 Tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon mozzarella cheese, divided

Favorite toppings:

• Thinly sliced sweet potato, sliced cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, broccoli, fresh spinach, frozen corn (thawed), black olives, Canadian bacon, sliced grilled chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Prepare a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil to minimize your mess.
2. Place tortilla or flatbread on prepared baking sheet. Using a spoon or pastry brush, spread a thin layer of your olive oil or sauce mixture over the tortilla, leaving 1-inch around the perimeter without oil.
3. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan and ¼ cup mozzarella on your tortilla.
4. Top with your favorite ingredients. Try to incorporate at least 2 or 3 bright colorful vegetables into your pizza!
5. Sprinkle remaining 1 Tablespoon mozzarella on your toppings.
6. Bake on the center rack of your oven for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust around the edge is golden brown.

 
Servings: 1-2 for adults, 2-3 for children. Once topped with veggies and protein, one-half tortilla pizza can be quite filling. You may also choose to reduce the amount of oil or cheese you use if you are using a smaller tortilla or flatbread.
 
Nutrition Facts (for whole pizza)!!:
Calories: 447, Protein: 17 grams, Total fat: 26 grams (Saturated: 8 grams, Monounsaturated: 11 grams, Polyunsaturated: 4 grams), Total carbohydrate: 34 grams (Dietary fiber: 5 grams), Sodium: 695 mg
(based on recipe using: Mission 8-inch whole wheat tortilla, garlic olive oil drizzle, and cheeses. Nutrition will vary with different tortillas, sauces, and toppings chosen)

Stay tuned for more posts about all things food and nutrition throughout 2016. Check out the Verdant Community Wellness Center events calendar if you are interested in learning about other health and wellness classes, seminars, and activities available to the public. Cheers to a healthy and delicious year!
 
~ Holly, RDN