Like most homes, Pizza night is a favorite in our house. We have pizza at least once a week usually on Saturday or Sunday nights while enjoying sporting event or something off the DVR (which often happens to be a few weeks old at least). We load our pizzas with so many toppings it often causes a hazard while trying to eat, as toppings fall off while we are stuffing our faces.
Did you know that Americans, on average, consume 18 acres of pizza every single day? Well it is true. The sad fact is that something which has the potential of being a great, healthy, easy and fun for you food, has in turn become a meal with no nutritional value which is actually harmful to our bodies! That being said… I am here to tell you that you have the choice to make a difference. Yes I know I am starting to sound like those annoying political commercials… Vote YES: For Healthy Pizza, and Say NO to the crap alternatives!
The great thing about pizza is all the options you have… you don’t have to use the same toppings as me. Just please make sure you are using organic/local dairy and vegetables. When it comes to sauces you have options their too! Classic tomato, Pesto, or Olive oil are all great options.
Now for the crust… This is where I am going to stretch you. Chances are you don’t have these ingredients in your pantry. But once you stock up you will always be ready to whip up a fresh homemade pizza that your family will love!
Healing diet Pizza Crust/Flat Bread
1 Tbsp Gluten Free Dry Yeast 2/3 cup Gluten Free Garbanzo Bean flour (Fava/Garbanzo Bean flour combo) plus extra for dusting 1/2 cup Almond flour 2 Tbsp Dry Milk Powder 2 tsp Xanthan Gum 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 1 tsp Unflavored Gelatin Powder 1 tsp Italian Herb Seasoning 2/3 cup warm water (105 degrees this is important) 1 tsp Olive Oil 1 tsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar I use stoneware to bake my pizza if you don’t have one then use Grape Seed oil spray for your pan. 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees 2. In a medium bowl mix all the dry ingredients together. (I use my Kitchen Aid Mixer) Mix on low speed to blend. 3. Add olive oil and vinegar. Then add WARM WATER. Mix on a higher speed for about 3 minutes. The dough will be very sticky. Use wet hands to handle. 4. Place dough on dusted stoneware (or sprayed pan). Sprinkle some bean flour on the dough to help press evenly. I like to make it thin as it will serve more. The thicker it is the more chewy it will be. (12? round or 9×13) 5. Bake the dough for 12-15 mins 6. Remove the pizza crust from oven. (flip using a spatula). Top with your favorite sauce and toppings. Bake for an additional 15 mins. (All cooking times may vary slightly)
Most ingredients can be purchased at Whole Foods or Earth fare. Bob’s Red Mill makes most of the flours, however, I have found that Honeyville Farm is the best place to order the Almond flour (both for cost and taste).
When it comes to toppings I like raw Zucchini slices, fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, and Applegate Farms organic Sweet Italian chicken sausage. I like to add slices of Organic Mozzarella and crumbles of fresh goat cheese when I have it!
Try it however you like it and let me know what you like to put on your pizza!
This recipe and many other great “Healing Diet Recipes” can be found in “The 21 Century Health & Weight Optimization Guide” that we offer at our office.
Bon appetit,
Dr Estela de Arcos Hunt
