Portobello Pizzas

By mariannefeldman

Vegetarian Times - Great Food, Good Health, Smart Living


Vegetarian Times Issue: June 1, 2003 p.19 Member Rating: 1111
30 MINUTES OR LESS

Giant portobello mushroom caps are the foundation for mini pizzas, packed with the same intense flavors as the standard pizza-parlor pie but minus the calories.

Ingredients

• 4 giant portobello mushroom caps (about 20 oz. total)
• 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar, or more as needed
• 1 1/2 Tbs. basil pesto
• 1 1/2 cups shredded combination low-fat mozzarella and provolone cheeses
• 2 oz. soy pepperoni slices
• 6 artichoke bottoms (6 oz.), chopped
• 2 Tbs. (1 oz.) chopped oil-cured olives, optional
• Pinch oregano

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from vegetariantimes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 500F. Line baking sheet with foil, and spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
Wipe mushroom caps clean, and remove stems. Chop stems, and place in mixing bowl. Using small spoon, gently scoop out black gills on underside of mushroom caps, and discard gills. Place mushrooms, cap side down, on foil-lined sheet.
Combine balsamic vinegar and pesto in small mixing bowl, and brush mixture on mushroom caps. Place in oven, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender.
Meanwhile, combine in bowl 1 cup cheese, soy pepperoni slices, artichoke bottoms, chopped mushroom stems, olives, if using, and oregano, tossing to mix well. Remove mushrooms from oven, and, dividing mixture evenly, fill each cap. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over mushrooms.
Bake 7 to 10 minutes more, remove from oven and serve.