Let's Talk Turkey (er, PIZZA)

Guilty as charged. I am a vegetarian, for many reasons starting with the environmental impact of the animal cultivating industry, but I won't be talking about that today. Mostly, I just like the phrase - "Let's talk turkey!" Meaning, let's get down to business. Business being my flavorful, no-rise pizza dough. I apologize in advanced for the photos, which may or may not be terrible. However, I find pictures encouraging when I look at other blogs or cook books.

Most stone age diets will have you believe that pizza is unhealthy. Us savvy modern girls realize that pizza comes in all shapes and sizes, just like our bootys ;). Some fad foodies would say, it's a clean recipe, meaning without any additives that you can't spell. I like to call it yummy and quick! I include lightly ground rolled oats to add texture and an extra dose of fiber. If you don't stock oats in your home - you definitely should - that said, you can certainly substitute with the same amount of whole wheat or white whole wheat flour. Some other additions should you have them on hand would be sesame seeds, flax seeds, spelt...you see where I'm going with this? Texture + flavor = delicious. Also note that this recipe can be doubled or tripled for more hungry mouths. The recipe below will serve two. 

Get ready to have some fun in the kitchen and feel good about what you put into your body by using your mind to throw together a healthy twist on pizza.

No-Rise Booty-licious Pizza Crust 

1/2 c. Rolled Oats

1/2 c. White Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 c. + 2 Tbs. water

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. baking powder (preferably aluminum-free)

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano (or Italian seasonings)

1/2 tsp. sea salt

sprinkle of cornmeal or flour for rolling/smoothing dough

1 dash of smooshed rosemary (can be committed or substituted with another complimentary herb)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Grind rolled oats for a few seconds until a medium texture is achieved. (I use a coffee grinder, but a food processor, blender, or knife would do the trick.)

oats before

oats after

3. Place ground oats in a mettle bowl (so it won't stick) along with all other ingredients.

4. If you didn't already wash your hands, do that now, trust me.

5. Mix all ingredients with hand to form a dough. If it is too sticky, dash a little more whole wheat flour into the mix. Knead for a minute.

Fun shapes with dough

6. Sprinkle corn meal on baking sheet, and place dough in center.

7. Roll out dough using a rolling pin, or even-sided cup (Seriously, a cup will work - admittedly it may take a little more effort).

Before Oven

8. Put your favorite sauce and toppings on your pizza, and pop in the oven for 20 minutes to get a cripy outer crust and soft inner crust. If you prefer your crust well toasted, pop the rolled out dough in the oven for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

9. Voila! Suggested pizza below with tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, arugula, red pepper flakes with a fresh topping of more fresh arugula and drizzle of olive oil.

 

Ready for dinner!