Friday, September 30, 2011

The Housewife Chronicles: Pizza Night!

Making dinner for two is a puzzling math problem.  You'll want enough food for some but not too much leftovers, just enough for another meal or else someone will complain that he's sick of eating the same stuff. You have to measure and portion your meat, fish or vegetable in advance so you do not have to thaw a whole kilo of chicken when it's just the two of you eating.  And sometimes, it is just too much effort to cook a separate meat and vegetable dish. But you also want to cook healthy and well balanced meals.

After two and a half years of marriage, I think I have cooking for two down to an art! One of the easy and yummy dish in my repertoire is this recipe for no-knead pizza.  It is virtually oil free.  It has lots of fiber since I use half whole wheat flour for the dough.  It is a balanced meal; you just choose your protein and vegetables to top the pizza.  And most important, it's easy and quick! haha

I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is quick. 

Prepare a bowl.  Place 500 grams of flour.  I use half all-purpose and half whole wheat.

Add 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of instant yeast,

3/4 teaspoon of salt,

3/4 teaspoon of sugar,

 and 1 and 1/2 cups of room temperature water. 


Stir until combined.  If the dough seems dry and there is excess flour add a tablespoon or two of water until combined.  Leave in a warm spot for two hours until it rises.  You can also leave the dough inside the refrigerator for 2-3 days and just use it when you feel like it.  What I do is use half the dough immediately for dinner and freeze the other half for another day. 


Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  Grease a baking sheet with a tablespoon of olive oil and spread half the pizza dough with your fingers.  Don't leave it too thick, you want your pizza crunchy and just slightly doughy.  Spread with some pesto or basil oil and tomato sauce. 



Top with grated cheese.


Adding our favorite toppings: onions and mushrooms.  Protein for tonight is shrimp.


Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is slightly brown and crispy.



Eat hot for maximum satisfaction.  Enjoy!!! 

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