Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Day Eleven - Following in Sam Sifton's footsteps, Pizza! But mine is made healthy!

I love to cook food that is fresh and makes you feel good after you eat it, doesn't make you feel heavy or bloated and really makes you feel like you had a nutritious meal. What I never understand is how such a large percentage of Americans can go out to eat for every meal and a day and can eat really fried food that has no redeeming nutritional qualities. Yes, I understand that having fresh vegetables and fresh food in your house can be somewhat expensive but if you take a trip to your local greenmarket, I guarantee whatever vegetables/ingredients that are in season, will not break the bank and will be fresh and ready for you to consume. It is also so satisfying once you have cooked a meal, to sit down with your homemade bounty and a nice glass of wine and really appreciate the time and effort that went into what you are eating.

Granted, I know that not everyone has extra hours in the day to cook, so if you can cook only a few nights a week, it is still worth it! Or even prepare in advance!

I know everyone in New York is always busy and never seems to have enough time to do everything they would like, so I thought I'd provide you with a quick healthy, easy, recipe that makes a delish and satisfying weeknight dinner for one.

Rarely does the New York Times' Dining and Wine section focus on pizza for its weekly review, but this week, Sam Sifton, has decided to give you his opinion of Motorino. One of the city's best pizza places and one of the many artisanal pizza places that are popping up all over town. Pizza has been the "in" comfort food since early to mid last year. Think Keste, Co, etc. If you want to check out the review, here it is:http://events.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/dining/reviews/17rest.html?ref=dining.

Now come on people, who doesn't like pizza in some form?! Very few people! You can use soy cheese if you're lactose intolerant, or no cheese at all; gluten free dough, whatever floats your boat! Pizza is an easy, fast, meal or snack if you have a big appetite that doesn't break the bank and tends to not be that awful for you if you keep it simple......well here goes my version of a week night pizza for one:

One Middle Eastern Flatbread or one round whole grain pita bread
One head of Kale
A handful of button mushrooms (trying to keep this simple guys)
garlic and onions
olive oil
herbs, salt and pepper
Grated Parmesan
Joe's Dairy Ricotta Cheese - homemade and definitely if you ask me among the best ricottas the city has to offer! Salvatore Brooklyn makes a good ricotta too!

Get your oven going, on my usual lower than most people tell you temperature of like 275 to 300.
While the oven is warming up, boil some water and really quickly steam the kale, just so it is barely cooked. Concurrently, chop up a clove of garlic and a quarter of an onion, put that in a pan with some olive oil and the slice mushrooms. Cook till the mushrooms condense over lower heat.

Now take your pita or middle eastern flatbread, whichever you decide to utilize, put a little bit of olive oil on both sides, then top one side with a light to medium coating of ricotta then the kale and then the mushrooms, then some herbs, preferably oregano and marjoram and then some salt and pepper. Then lastly top your little pie with some grated parmesan. Place in the oven and bake! Take it out when the cheese is golden brown and down and slice. I'd serve it with a glass of Pelaverga, Vigna di Terre Rosse, 2007 that you can pick up at Astor Center Wines. It is a rare Italian wine from the Saluzza region southwest of Turin with flavors of flowers, spice, clay, and powder.

Now you have a nice easy dinner for one with protein, carbs, veggies, and a glass of wine to boot!
Enjoy.

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