Mini Polenta Pizzas

Ingredients

  • 1/2 18 oz. tube prepared polenta
  • 10-12 small black olives, sliced
  • 5-6 small white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 c shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • 1 T olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • "Pizza" sauce
  • 4 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1 t dried oregano
  • 1/2 t dried basil
  • 1/4 t dried rosemary
  • 1/2 t minced garlic
  • 1/8 t salt
  • 1/4 t ground black pepper
  • (Note: if you're really in a pinch, 4-6 oz. of prepared pasta or pizza sauce will work just as well!)

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare the "pizza sauce" by combining all ingredients in a small saucepan and cooking over medium low heat until heated through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat & set aside.

Cut the polenta into 1/2" thick slices. Season both sides of each slice very lightly with salt & pepper and set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When oil is heated through, arrange the polenta slices in the skillet and pan-fry for about 3 minutes on each side, or until slightly golden brown & crispy to the touch.

Remove the polenta from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Add about a teaspoon of sauce to each polenta slice, top with a teaspoon or so of shredded cheese, then add the olives & mushrooms. Return the mini pizzas to the skillet and cover, cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, serve with a nice salad, and enjoy!