Homemade Pizza: Tasty and Mediterranean

Pizza is a favorite meal for both kids and adults. In addition to being simple and tasty, pizza is also very convenient. Hungry families have the option of restaurant pizza with a large selection of toppings and crusts or frozen varieties from local grocery stores. But, taste and convenience aren't all there is to gain from pizza. Restaurant and store-bought pizzas are also usually HIGH in calories. An average slice can have anywhere from 200 to more than 400 calories per slice. And who stops at just one slice????

Most slices of “take out” pizzas are nutritional time bombs – high in saturated fat, refined sugar, and high sodium processed meats. A healthier alternative to "take-out" pizza is a traditional Mediterranean-style pizza made right in your own kitchen. Unrefined flours, tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, herbs/seasonings, olives, peppers, onions, cheese and small amounts of meat are staples of the Mediterranean diet. If you want to decrease the number of calories and dramatically increase the quality of ingredients per slice, make your favorite style pizza at home. With a few simple Mediterranean ingredients, a simple recipe and a little bit of time - you can make a delicious and nutritious pizza for you and your family in less than 30minutes.

I've included my personal recipe for a basic homemade pizza. Add your personal touch to my recipe by piling on your favorite vegetable toppings. But, go light on the meat. In traditional Mediterranean culture, meat is used as a condiment and not the main attraction. If you want to add a small amount of meat toppings, look for the best quality you can afford. My family likes to add just a few slices of pepperoni, so I currently buy Boar's Head brand because their deli meats and cheese contain no fillers, gluten, artificial flavors, colors or trans fat. Once you see how simple and nutritious it is to make your own pizza, you will be hard-pressed to order takeout pizza again.
Let's cook, America!



What you need:


7 in whole wheat pizza crust

1/4 cup jarred pizza sauce

3/4 cup diced tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 cup of a variety of vegetable toppings (diced)

3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

extra virgin olive oil mister




What you do:


1. Mist pizza crust with olive oil.

2. Sprinkle crust with 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

3. Top with diced tomatoes.

4. Layer crust with vegetable toppings (i.e spinach, mushrooms, olives, jalapenos, onions) and small amount of meat, if desired.

5. Top pizza toppings with mozzarella cheese.

6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

7. Mist with olive oil.

8. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until done.

9. Slice and enjoy!

Step 1                                                                                                       Step 2

 Step 3                                                                                                     Step 4