SANDWICHES & PIZZA

Pizza primavera

Pizza primavera

Pizza, when it's made the traditional Italian way, has little resemblance to the pizza available in most fast food outlets. These pizzas are usually topped with lots of meat, lots of cheese, very few vegetables, and are served on a thick doughy crust.

Compare this to a traditionally prepared pizza which contains little or no meat, moderate amounts of good quality cheese, a variety of vegetables and fresh herbs, and is served on a thin crust.

In fact, when pizza is made in this traditional way it not only makes a wonderful meal (especially when it's served with a fresh tossed salad and little red wine) it's also good for your body as well.

This pizza, topped with asparagus, zucchini, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula (rocket), and a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, is bursting with the fresh flavors of spring. It's delicious served as it is, but you can also easily up the protein content by adding slices of smoked salmon, prosciutto or fresh shrimp.

Pizza primavera
Serves 2
Thin crust pizza topped with asparagus, zucchini, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula (rocket), and a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A taste of spring in every bite!
1 clove garlic — minced
3 tablespoons chopped canned tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes  
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
½  teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 store-bought pre-baked thin pizza crust (or use a large whole wheat pita bread as the crust)
3 oz (85g) grated mozzarella cheese
1 oz (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
10 fresh asparagus tips
½ zucchini - sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons green peas (fresh, or frozen and defrosted)
A handful of arugula (rocket)
PREHEAT the oven to 450°F/230°C. MIX together the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. SPREAD the sauce evenly over the pizza crust. SPRINKLE the mozzarella cheese on top. ARRANGE the asparagus, zucchini and peas evenly over the pizza crust. SPRINKLE with half the Parmesan cheese. PLACE the pizza on a baking tray and cook for 10 minutes. SPRINKLE over the remaining Parmesan and top with the arugula.