Mini Pizzas with Arugula, Peppers, and Prosciutto

By Kristine

Ingredients

• 5 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 pound pizza dough, preferably whole wheat, thawed if frozen
• 1 14 1/2 oz. can whole tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 large clove of garlic, chopped
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups of lightly packed arugula, chopped
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced roasted red peppers (rinse if jarred)
• 1 1/2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma, cut into thin strips (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Lightly coat a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of the oil. Put the dough in the bowl, cover loosely, and let sit at room temperature until supple and relaxed, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 475 degrees. Meanwhile, put the tomatoes, oregano, garlic, 2 teaspoons of oil, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse to make a chunky sauce.

3. Lightly oil 2 baking sheets with the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil. Divide the dough into quarters. Divide each quarter into 3 equal parts; you’ll have 12 1 oz. pieces of dough. Shape each piece of dough into 3 inch round and put on the baking sheets.

4. Spread about 1 scant tablespoon of the sauce over each dough round, leaving a little border around the edge for the crust. Top each with a mound of arugula, then some strips of pepper and prosciutto. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmigiano on top.

5. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is browned, 12 to 14 minutes, rotating and swapping the pans’ positions about halfway through for even baking. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and serve. (Yield: 12 mini pizzas; 4 servings)