Gourmet Polenta Pizza with Savory Tempeh and Veggies
Savor the flavors of a gourmet pizza made with a delicious polenta crust. This pizza offers a healthier, lower-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough while maintaining all the richness and taste of classic Italian cuisine. Topped with smoked tempeh, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful blend of cheeses, this pizza is a celebration of flavors and textures. Prepare to delight your taste buds with every bite, and don't hesitate to get creative by experimenting with your favorite toppings.
6
Servings
205
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
polenta (pre-cooked)
18 oz (drained and cut)
Italian seasoning
2 tsp (divided)
filtered water
1 tbsp (n/a)
arrowroot
1 tbsp (n/a)
wheat flour
2 tbsp (n/a)
garlic powder
1 tsp (n/a)
Romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated, divided)
smoked tempeh
4 slices (cut into small pieces)
prepared spaghetti sauce
1 cup (n/a)
broccoli heads
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
scallions
3 (cut in small slices)
roasted pepper
1 (sliced)
goat mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This ensures an even and thorough baking experience.
2
Lightly spray a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
3
Remove the polenta from its packaging, making sure to drain off any excess water. Cut it into small pieces for easier processing.
4
Transfer the polenta pieces into a food processor. Add the filtered water, arrowroot, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of grated Romano cheese.
5
Process the mixture until it forms a dough-like consistency. It should be smooth and cohesive.
6
Using a spatula, transfer the polenta dough onto the prepared pizza pan. Spray your hands with oil and gently pat the mixture evenly across the pan to form the crust.
7
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden and firm.
8
While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings by slicing the broccoli heads thinly, cutting the scallions into small pieces, and slicing the roasted pepper into strips.
9
Remove the crust from the oven once it's done baking. Spread the spaghetti sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
10
Top the sauce with the sliced smoked tempeh, broccoli, scallions, roasted pepper, and the remaining Romano and goat mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning over the top.
11
Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Once fully cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle.
13
Slice, serve, and enjoy your gourmet polenta crust pizza!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Polenta Pizza with Savory Tempeh and Veggies?
It is a healthier, lower-carb alternative to traditional pizza that uses a pre-cooked polenta base as a crust, topped with smoked tempeh, broccoli, and a blend of Romano and goat mozzarella cheeses.
How many calories are in a serving of this polenta pizza?
Each serving contains approximately 205 calories.
What is the primary ingredient for the pizza crust?
The primary ingredient for the crust is 18 ounces of pre-cooked, drained polenta.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses tempeh as a protein source and contains no meat products.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving of this pizza provides 10 grams of protein.
What kind of tempeh is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of smoked tempeh cut into small pieces.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How long does the polenta crust bake before adding toppings?
The crust should be baked alone for 15 minutes until the edges are golden and firm.
What specific cheeses are used in the toppings?
The pizza is topped with a combination of Romano cheese and shredded goat mozzarella cheese.
What vegetables are included as toppings?
The vegetable toppings include thinly sliced broccoli heads, scallions, and a sliced roasted pepper.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do you prepare the polenta for the dough?
Drain any excess water from the polenta, cut it into pieces, and process it in a food processor with water, arrowroot, seasoning, garlic powder, and Romano cheese.
What size pizza pan is recommended?
A 12-inch pizza pan lightly sprayed with cooking oil is recommended.
Why is arrowroot used in the dough mixture?
Arrowroot is used as a binder to help the processed polenta form a cohesive, dough-like consistency.
How long does the pizza bake once the toppings are added?
The topped pizza needs an additional 25 minutes in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of sauce should be used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of prepared spaghetti sauce.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How do you spread the polenta dough onto the pan?
Transfer the dough with a spatula, then use oil-sprayed hands to gently pat the mixture evenly across the pan.
What seasoning is used to flavor the crust and toppings?
Italian seasoning and garlic powder are used for flavoring.
Should the broccoli be cooked before being added to the pizza?
No, the broccoli should be thinly sliced and placed raw onto the sauce before the final baking step.
How long should the pizza cool after baking?
It is best to let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before slicing.
Is wheat flour included in this recipe?
Yes, the ingredients list includes 2 tablespoons of wheat flour.
Can I use different toppings on this polenta crust?
Yes, the recipe encourages getting creative and experimenting with your own favorite toppings.
What is the total baking time for this pizza?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 15 minutes for the crust alone and 25 minutes with toppings.
How much Italian seasoning is needed in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning is used, divided between the dough and the toppings.
Is water added to the crust mixture?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of filtered water is added during the food processing stage.
How should the scallions be prepared?
Three scallions should be cut into small slices or pieces.
What is the purpose of the Romano cheese in the dough?
The 1/4 cup of Romano cheese added to the dough provides extra flavor and helps with the texture of the crust.
How do you know when the pizza is fully cooked?
The pizza is fully cooked when the edges of the crust are golden and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.