Pesto SOCCA PIZZA

+QP +SF +GF

You’ll surprise your guests with this one: chickpea flour pizza crust. With a crispy crust keeping it light, this savory pizza is topped with creamy pesto and roasted squash. —MR

SERVES 1 TO 2

PIZZA CRUST

⅔ cup (86 g) chickpea flour (also called garbanzo bean flour)

⅓ cup (28 g) almond meal or chickpea flour

3 tbsp (45 ml) water

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided

Sea salt

4 tbsp (56 g) pesto, homemade or store-bought

TOPPINGS (FOR THE PIZZA PICTURED)

1 cup (140 g) roasted veggies (I enjoy winter squash)

½ radish, sliced

Sprinkle of hemp seeds

Sprinkle of fresh dill or arugula

FOR THE CRUST

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). In a small bowl, combine the flour, almond meal, water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the oil and salt to taste and form a ball. Then mix for about 3 minutes. It’s important that you mix the dough very well. It should start to resemble Silly Putty in texture. Mix the dough for the full 3 minutes. Pop it into the fridge to set for 10 minutes.

On a clean surface, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a circle (dough should be about ¼ inch [6 mm] thick). Rub the top of the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil.

Place it into the oven to bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the sides are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and top with the pesto. Spread the pesto evenly onto the crust and add any topping you’d like!

*SEE PHOTO INSERT