Roasted Red Pepper Pita Pizzas

Don't you just love when you come across a recipe that's quick and easy and actually turns out to be quite delicious the first time you give it a go? I came across this recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Pita Pizzas (how's that for alliteration?) in the latest issue of Vegetarian Times, and I've already made it twice it's that good.

The recipe requires four ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to make from start to finish.  The only equipment you'll need is a food processor (I did this in my Magic Bullet), a spatula, and an oven.  It's a recipe any college student could handle and any pizza enthusiast would commend.

Instead of marinara sauce, sundried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are blended together to form a rich, sweet paste.  (I recommend Cento Marinated Roasted Red Peppers.)  Pitas form a light and crunchy base in place of dough, and mozzarella is irreplaceable, so that stays the same.  The end result is wonderfully flavorful and - though I shove all health considerations aside when it comes to pizza - a healthier alternative to your typical pizza joint slice.

Though I've fallen in love with the sundried tomato/red pepper sauce, the types of toppings you can do are obviously endless.  You might try sauteed mushrooms and truffle oil; or baby spinach, feta, and kalamata olives.  I recently saw a commercial that suggested using a blend of ricotta and pesto in place of tomato sauce, which sounded like a nice way to change things up.  Whatever your proclivity, I urge you to try this recipe!! It's become one of my weeknight staples.

Serves: 2

- Ingredients -

• 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers (2 large peppers), drained; plus more for garnishing, if desired
• 6 oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained
• 2, 6 1/2-inch whole-wheat pita rounds
• 1/4 lb. (1 ball) fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced or grated
• basil leaves, if desired

- Instructions -

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place rack in center of oven.
2. Purée red peppers and sundried tomatoes in food processor 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
3. Spread sauce on top of each pita.  Top with mozzarella, extra red peppers and basil, if using.
4. Place pizzas directly on oven rack and bake for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.