White Bean, Basil and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza

White Bean, Basil and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This White Bean, Basil, and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza recipe is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pizza. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

This recipe is a modern take on traditional pizza, incorporating healthy ingredients like white beans, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. It offers a unique and flavorful alternative to the classic cheese and tomato pizza.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can of Great Northern or navy beans, drained
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
0.25 tsp dried oregano
1 x 10 oz (283 g) thin crust pre-made pizza crust (such as "Boboli")
1 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
0.5 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
In a small bowl, place the sun-dried tomatoes and pour enough boiling water over them to just cover. Let them stand for 10 minutes to soften. Drain well, then chop them into thin strips.
In a food processor, combine the beans, garlic, and oregano. Cover and blend until smooth.
Spread the bean paste over the surface of the pizza crust.
Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and cheese over the bean paste.
Place the pizza on an ungreased cookie sheet or pizza pan and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Variations

Add sliced black olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza crust for a healthier option.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.

Notes

May use gluten-free or cauliflower crust
May substitute cheese of choice

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the sun-dried tomatoes well before chopping them to prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy.

- Blending the beans, garlic, and oregano in a food processor creates a smooth and creamy base for the pizza.

- Preheating the oven to the correct temperature ensures that the pizza cooks evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this White Bean, Basil, and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the pizza in the oven at a high temperature ensures that the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white beans on hand, you can use chickpeas or cannellini beans as a substitute. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bean paste and chop the sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time to save time when assembling the pizza. Store the ingredients in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished pizza with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This pizza pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza 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 this White Bean, Basil, and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza recipe contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This White Bean, Basil, and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this pizza contains around 10 grams of fat, primarily from the cheese and olive oil.

Proteins

With the beans and cheese as the main sources of protein, this pizza provides about 15 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The fresh basil in this recipe adds a dose of vitamins A and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (pizza crust), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this pizza is a balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This White Bean, Basil, and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for a quick and easy meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this pizza is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished tending to my garden when my dear friend Martha came over with a basket of fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes. She had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me the ingredients, telling me she had a new recipe to share with me.

I invited Martha into my cozy kitchen, eager to hear all about this new dish. As she began to explain the recipe for White Bean, Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza, I could feel my excitement growing. I had always loved trying new recipes, and the combination of flavors in this one sounded absolutely divine.

Martha told me that she had learned the recipe from her Italian grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago. It was a family favorite, and Martha had been making it for her own family ever since. She explained that the key to the dish was using high-quality ingredients and letting the flavors shine through.

As Martha walked me through the steps of making the pizza, I could tell that this was going to be a special dish. The creamy white beans, the fragrant basil, and the sweet sun-dried tomatoes all came together in a perfect harmony on top of a crispy pizza crust. I could almost taste it as she described each ingredient and how they would complement each other.

After Martha left, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for myself. I gathered the ingredients together, taking care to select the best quality white beans, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes I could find. As I preheated the oven and rolled out the pizza dough, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me.

When the pizza emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had created something truly special. The aroma of the fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to take a bite. As I savored the first mouthful of the pizza, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own family for years to come.

Since that day, I have made White Bean, Basil, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza countless times. Each time I prepare it, I think of Martha and her Italian grandmother, who passed down this delicious recipe to her. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its unique flavors and comforting appeal.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey of discovering this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. From my own grandmother, who taught me the joy of preparing meals for loved ones, to Martha and her family recipe, each person has played a part in my culinary adventures.

I am reminded that food has the power to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that last a lifetime. And as I continue to experiment with new recipes and flavors, I know that the joy of cooking will always be a part of who I am.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, surrounded by good friends and delicious ingredients, remember that each recipe tells a story. Whether it's a cherished family tradition or a new discovery, the act of creating a meal is a celebration of life and love. And who knows, you may just stumble upon a recipe as special as White Bean, Basil, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza.