Portabella Pizza

Portabella Pizza Recipe from Italy | Sausage, Garlic, Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Portabella Pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. This recipe replaces the traditional pizza crust with portabella mushrooms, creating a gluten-free and low-carb option that is packed with flavor.

History

Portabella Pizza is a modern twist on traditional pizza, using portabella mushrooms as the base instead of dough. This recipe has gained popularity in recent years as a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, offering a lighter and more nutritious option for those looking to cut back on carbs.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) sausage
1 clove garlic, chopped (optional)
1 jar (14 oz or 397 g) pizza sauce
12 small portabello mushrooms
0.75 cup grated mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Brown the sausage and drain the fat.
Add the chopped garlic and pizza sauce.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Scrape out a small portion of the gills of the mushrooms (enough to make a small bowl for the filling).
Put the sauce in the mushrooms and top with grated mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C).

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, for a unique flavor.
Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers, to customize the recipe to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scrape out a small portion of the gills of the mushrooms to create a small bowl for the filling.

- Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the portabella pizzas to ensure even cooking.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding vegetables or different types of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Portabella Pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Portabella Pizza in the oven ensures that the mushrooms are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sausage and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assemble the Portabella Pizzas just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Portabella Pizza on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Portabella Pizza with a glass of red wine or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Portabella Pizza contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Portabella Pizza contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Portabella Pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Portabella Pizza contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Portabella mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of cheese. It may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Portabella Pizza is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of pizza. It is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Summary

Portabella Pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza, using portabella mushrooms as the base. This recipe is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a lighter version of pizza.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Portabella Pizza. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was the one who introduced me to this delicious dish. She had learned the recipe from a dear friend who lived in the neighboring village, and she had passed it down to me with love and pride.

Nonna Maria was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills. She could turn the simplest ingredients into a feast fit for a king. Her kitchen was always filled with the delicious aroma of herbs and spices, and there was never a shortage of mouth-watering dishes to enjoy.

One summer afternoon, as I was helping Nonna Maria prepare for a family gathering, she pulled out a large platter of portabella mushrooms from the garden. These mushrooms were unlike any I had ever seen before - large and meaty, with a rich and earthy aroma. Nonna Maria smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Today, we are going to make something special," she said, as she began to clean and prepare the mushrooms. I watched in awe as she expertly removed the stems and gently wiped the caps clean. She then brushed them with olive oil and sprinkled them with a mixture of herbs and spices.

As Nonna Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement. I knew that whatever she was making would be absolutely delicious. Finally, the mushrooms were ready to be baked in the oven, and as they cooked, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasted garlic and melted cheese.

When the Portabella Pizzas emerged from the oven, they were a sight to behold. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked, with a golden-brown crust and a bubbling layer of melted cheese on top. Nonna Maria garnished them with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and then served them to our guests with a flourish.

Everyone at the table was amazed by the dish before them. The Portabella Pizzas were a hit, with their savory flavor and hearty texture. Nonna Maria beamed with pride as she watched us all enjoy her creation, knowing that she had passed on a piece of her culinary legacy to me.

From that day on, I became the keeper of the Portabella Pizza recipe in our family. I continued to make it for special occasions and shared it with friends and neighbors who were always eager to taste a little piece of Italy. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Nonna Maria and the love and passion she poured into her cooking.

Over the years, I have made a few adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own flair and creativity to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings, always striving to perfect the dish that holds a special place in my heart.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Portabella Pizza to the next generation, I do so with the hope that it will continue to bring joy and satisfaction to those who taste it. It is a dish that embodies the tradition and warmth of my Italian heritage, a taste of home that will always hold a special place in my heart. And as I watch my children and grandchildren enjoy the Portabella Pizza that I learned from Nonna Maria, I know that her legacy lives on through me, in every delicious bite.