Certainly! To make this Red Lentil Pizza Weight Watchers-friendly, we’ll need to adjust the ingredients and calculate the SmartPoints. Here’s the revised recipe along with the SmartPoints breakdown:
Red Lentil Pizza (Gluten-Free)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with allergies.
- Plant-Based: Made with wholesome ingredients.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps for a quick and delicious meal.
- Tasty & Versatile: Perfect for brunch, buffets, or as a party snack.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Crust:
- 3/4 cup uncooked red lentils
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jar (15 oz) tomato sauce (look for no added sugar)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil (or fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup (optional, can omit for fewer points)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Cashew Parmesan (optional, use sparingly)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pizza Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an oven-safe pan inside to heat.
- Soak the red lentils in water for 30 minutes.
- Once soaked, blend the lentils with water, garlic, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Carefully remove the heated pan from the oven, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil (1 tsp), and pour the lentil batter into the pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Pizza Sauce:
- In a medium pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, bay leaf, and salt. Stir to combine and simmer for 20-30 seconds. Remove the bay leaf before using.
- Sauté the Toppings:
- In a pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil and sauté the bell peppers and mushrooms over low heat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add salt and mix well.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the pizza sauce over the baked lentil crust.
- Top with the sautéed vegetables. If using, sprinkle with cashew Parmesan (use sparingly to keep points low).
- Place the assembled pizza back in the oven for 10-15 seconds to warm through.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve hot with your favorite ww condiments like homemade ketchup, ww sour cream, or mayonnaise.
Tips:
- Avoid Overloading: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Customize: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the crust and sauce for extra flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.
SmartPoints Breakdown:
- Red Lentils (3/4 cup dry): 6 SmartPoints (lentils are 4 SmartPoints per 1/4 cup dry)
- Olive Oil (2 tsp total): 2 SmartPoints (1 tsp = 1 SmartPoint)
- Tomato Sauce: Typically 0 SmartPoints if there’s no added sugar
- Cashew Parmesan (optional): About 1 SmartPoint per tablespoon (use sparingly)
Total Estimated SmartPoints:
- Crust: 6 SmartPoints
- Sauce: 1 SmartPoint (for 1 tsp olive oil)
- Toppings: 1 SmartPoint (for 1 tsp olive oil)
If you use cashew Parmesan, add 1 SmartPoint for a light sprinkle.
Overall Total for Pizza (without Cashew Parmesan): Approximately 8 SmartPoints (assuming the whole pizza is divided into 4 servings, it would be 2 SmartPoints per serving). Adjust the points if you use additional cashew Parmesan or extra olive oil.
Enjoy this healthy, and gluten-free pizza while staying within your Weight Watchers goals!