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Pesto Veggie Pizza

When I was thinking about what my family likes to eat and what I like to cook, the answer was pizza—especially this one!

—DANA DIRKS SAN DIEGO, CA

PREP: 30 MIN. + STANDING BAKE: 10 MIN. MAKES: 6 SERVINGS

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 to 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cups fresh baby spinach

1/4 cup prepared pesto

3/4 cups coarsely chopped fresh broccoli

3/4 cup chopped green pepper

2 green onions, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the Parmesan cheese, oil, sugar, basil, salt, all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining whole wheat flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

3. Roll dough into a 16-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; build up edges slightly. Prick dough with a fork. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

4. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add spinach; cover and boil for 3-5 minutes or until wilted. Drain and place in a food processor. Add pesto; cover and process until blended.

5. Spread over pizza crust. Top with broccoli, green pepper, green onions, garlic and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

PER SERVING 364 cal., 17 g fat (6 g sat. fat), 29 mg chol., 543 mg sodium, 35 g carb., 5 g fiber, 19 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.