By Justin RavnellThere are a multitude of reasons for a family to go grain-free and sugar-free. Perhaps your son has celiac disease, so his immune system can not tolerate gluten. Maybe your husband is at high risk for heart disease or diabetes. Maybe you are simply one of the thousands of people who are beginning to understand the health benefits of a grain-free diet.
Delicious Bella Pizza Recipe: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Great! You've taken the first step and gotten the grain and refined sugar out of your life. But what now? Well, you can start with this delicious Bella Pizza. By switching out the dough for a mushroom cap, you will:
- reduce carbohydrates by nearly 30 grams
- increase fiber
- increase protein by about 3 grams
- cut out the gluten (which is inflammatory for everyone- not just those with gluten allergies)
- increase iron
- add niacin, a brain-health mineral
Not to mention, it's a lot easier to wash a mushroom cap than to knead dough! You can whip up this dish for a quick family dinner, or serve on
baby bella caps for a delicious appetizer. Any way you dish it, Margarita Bella Pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Margarita Bella Pizza RecipeThis delicious pesto, tomato, mozzarella pizza on a mushroom cap is quick, easy, and delicious!4 Portabella Caps, rinsed and patted dry6oz Fresh mozzarella, sliced into four rounds1 Large organic tomato4 tbsp Basil Pesto (see recipe below, or use prepared pesto)2 tbsp Olive Oil for brushingPreheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Brush both sides of mushroom caps with olive oil.
- Place oiled mushrooms on a glass baking dish, stem-side-up.
- Spread one tablespoon of Basil Pesto on the ribbed, dark "top" of each cap.
- Slide the tomato into ¼ inch thick slices. Place one slice on top of the pesto. (If your tomato is smaller, you may want to use two slices per pizza.)
- Top each pizza with a slice of fresh mozzarella.
- Place pan in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes or until cheese is just melted and mushroom is cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
To make the
Basil Pesto:Toss all the ingredients in the food processor for a quick pesto!Place 1/3 cup packed fresh basil, 1/3 cup raw pine nuts, 3 cloves garlic (peeled), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Blend for about thirty seconds until everything is minced together with even consistency. Salt to taste.This pesto recipe makes about 1/3 cup.You can change it up by replacing the pesto with traditional pizza sauce, then topping with your favorite toppings. The kids love to help on this one. They can make their own personalized Bella Pizzas using everything from pineapple and Canadian Bacon, to BBQ chicken and cheddar. Delizioso!