Indulge in a gourmet culinary experience with our wholesome and delicious Red Lentil Pizza, bursting with flavour and loaded with nutritious ingredients.
Starting with a nutritious and gluten-free red lentil pizza base, our pizza is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. Red lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. They are also rich in fibre, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Our pizza is then topped with a layer of herbed tomato paste over the pizza base, adding a burst of tangy sweetness and a dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
We then layer on fresh baby spinach, red onion, and red capsicum, adding vibrant colours, flavours, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, while red onion and red capsicum are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds.
Next, a mouthwatering combination of marinated shiitake mushrooms adds a savoury and umami-rich flavour that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support immune function and overall health.
To finish, we sprinkle the pizza with fresh thyme leaves and drizzle it with a delectable balsamic glaze, adding the perfect finishing touch and a hint of sweetness. Balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants and may have several health benefits, including improved heart health and blood sugar control.
With its delicious flavours, nutritious ingredients, and beautiful presentation, our gourmet Red Lentil Pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body and delighting your taste buds. Enjoy a slice (or two) guilt-free, knowing that you’re treating yourself to a wholesome and delicious meal!
Gourmet Red Lentil Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- ¾ cup red lentils soaked, see notes**
- ½ cup water
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp italian mixed herbs
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
Topping
- tomato paste mixed with italian herb
- ½ cup baby spinach leaves
- ½ red onion sliced thinly
- ½ red capsicum (bell pepper) sliced thinly
- 12 marinated shiitake mushrooms
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- drizzle of balsamic glaze see notes below
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 280℃
- Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the blender with all the other pizza base ingredients. Blend until smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the lentil batter onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it out into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake the lentil pizza base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the base is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza base from the oven. Cover with the herbed tomato paste, then lay out all the other toppings.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the toppings are heated through and the crust is crispy.
Notes
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Whisk together until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half and has thickened slightly.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering balsamic mixture and whisk continuously until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once the glaze has reached the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool for a few minutes.
- Use the balsamic glaze immediately as a topping for your pizza or let it cool completely before transferring it to a jar or container for storage.
