Polenta Pizza

Polenta Pizza Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Polenta pizza is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza, using a polenta crust instead of the usual dough. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative to regular pizza.

History

Polenta pizza has its roots in Italian cuisine, where polenta is a staple ingredient. Polenta is made from cornmeal and has a creamy texture when cooked. By using polenta as a crust for pizza, you get a crispy and flavorful base that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

2 18 oz (510 g) packages of precooked polenta
2 tbsp of water
2 tbsp of cornstarch
2 tbsp of unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tbsp of granulated garlic
0.5 cup plus 0.33 cup of soy parmesan cheese
2 cups of tomato sauce from a 25 oz (709 g) jar, reserving the remainder
4 slices of soy canadian bacon, cut into 2-inch strips
0.5 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 2-inch strips
3 scallions, thinly sliced tops with 2 inches of green

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Spray a pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Slice the polenta and place it in a food processor. Process the polenta and add water, cornstarch, flour, garlic, and 0.5 cup of soy Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth. Spread the polenta evenly on the pizza pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the polenta from the oven and spread 2 cups of sauce evenly over the polenta crust. Top with sliced soy bacon, bell peppers, scallions, and the remaining 0.33 cup of soy Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 25 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Try adding different toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Use different cheeses such as mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the polenta thinly and process it in a food processor to ensure a smooth crust.

- Pre-baking the polenta crust before adding toppings helps to ensure a crispy base.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding different vegetables or proteins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve polenta pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pre-baking the polenta crust ensures a crispy base.

- Be sure to let the pizza stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the toppings to set.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have soy Parmesan cheese, you can use regular Parmesan cheese instead.

- Feel free to use your favorite toppings in place of the suggested ones.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the polenta crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve polenta pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair polenta pizza with a glass of red wine or a crisp salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of polenta pizza contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of polenta pizza contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of polenta pizza contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of polenta pizza contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Polenta is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and corn products.

Summary

Polenta pizza is a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional pizza, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Polenta pizza is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza, with a crispy polenta crust and flavorful toppings. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for those looking for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative to regular pizza. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a hot summer day, and I had decided to spend some time at the local farmer's market. As I strolled through the bustling stalls, the smell of fresh produce and baked goods wafted through the air, tempting me with their delicious aromas.

I stopped at a small stand run by an elderly Italian woman. She had a kind smile and warm eyes, and she was busy flipping through a well-worn cookbook. Curious, I peered over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of a recipe for Polenta Pizza.

Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors and textures, I struck up a conversation with the woman. She introduced herself as Nonna Maria, and she explained that Polenta Pizza was a traditional dish from her hometown in Italy. She shared with me the story of how she learned to make it from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

As Nonna Maria talked, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking reflected in her eyes. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare each dish with care and attention to detail. I was captivated by her words and knew that I had to learn how to make Polenta Pizza for myself.

Nonna Maria graciously invited me to her home the following week to teach me the recipe. I eagerly accepted, and on a sunny afternoon, I found myself standing in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomato sauce.

She began by showing me how to make the polenta, a simple mixture of cornmeal, water, and salt cooked to a creamy consistency. As I stirred the pot, Nonna Maria shared stories of her childhood in Italy, of cooking with her family in their small farmhouse kitchen and of the joy that food brought to their lives.

Next, she demonstrated how to shape the polenta into a crust and bake it in the oven until golden and crisp. Then came the toppings – a rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. Nonna Maria showed me how to layer each ingredient with care, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that danced across the palate.

As the Polenta Pizza baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Nonna Maria and I sat down at her table to enjoy a meal together. The first bite was pure bliss – the creamy polenta crust, the tangy tomato sauce, the melty cheese, and the burst of fresh vegetables all coming together in perfect harmony.

I savored each mouthful, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a wise and talented cook. Nonna Maria smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride, and I knew that I had found not just a recipe, but a connection to a rich culinary heritage that would stay with me for a lifetime.

Since that day, I have made Polenta Pizza countless times, each batch a tribute to Nonna Maria and the traditions she shared with me. I have experimented with different toppings and variations, always keeping in mind the lessons she taught me about the importance of using fresh, wholesome ingredients and cooking with love.

As I pass down the recipe to my own family and friends, I think of Nonna Maria and the way she welcomed me into her kitchen with open arms and a generous spirit. Her Polenta Pizza will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish the body and soul, and to create lasting memories that transcend time and distance. Grazie, Nonna Maria, for sharing your love of cooking and your delicious recipe with me.