Broccolini Almond Pizza

My Unexpected Pizza Adventure: A Broccolini Revelation

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a proper meal, let alone create something gourmet, often feels like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of deadlines, school runs, and the never-ending to-do list. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Broccolini Almond Pizza, I was intrigued, but also a little skeptical. Pizza? On a weeknight? It seemed too good to be true. But, desperate for a delicious and somewhat healthy dinner, I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even on a Tuesday evening when my brain felt like mush. Blanching the broccolini – a step I’d never considered before – proved to be a game changer. It created a wonderfully tender texture that perfectly complemented the slightly crisp pizza crust. The addition of almonds added a satisfying crunch, providing a delicious textural contrast to the creamy mozzarella and tangy feta. The whole experience felt surprisingly therapeutic. The process, from chopping the vegetables to the satisfying aroma of baking pizza, created a much needed pause in my hectic day. I actually found it rather enjoyable – who knew?

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this pizza recipe offers a surprising amount of nutritional value. The whole wheat pizza dough provides fiber, the broccolini is packed with vitamins, and the mozzarella offers protein. It was a wholesome and satisfying meal that didn't leave me feeling sluggish or weighed down, which is a huge win in my book. And, let’s be honest, homemade pizza always tastes better than takeout – no soggy crusts, no questionable ingredients. It tasted incredible. I must admit that I fully intended this for the kids but we ended up enjoying it for dinner ourselves.

My children loved this new pizza and asked to make it again. I was shocked at first because they are usually picky eaters, however I think this pizza appeals to them because it has a unique ingredient and texture - not just your standard cheese and pepperoni.

The next time you’re short on time but craving something delicious and satisfying, I urge you to give this Broccolini Almond Pizza a try. It's a true testament to the fact that simple, healthy meals can be both quick and incredibly flavorful. Trust me, it’s a weeknight lifesaver and a surefire way to impress your family (or yourself!).

One thing I particularly appreciated about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have feta? Use another cheese! Don't like almonds? Leave them out! The basic recipe is so simple, it's an excellent base for experimentation. Next time I'm thinking of adding some sun-dried tomatoes and maybe even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Making this pizza felt liberating. It was a reminder that even in the midst of a busy schedule, there is still time to create something delicious and nourishing for ourselves and our families. It's not about perfection, it's about finding joy in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together. The experience surpassed all expectations. It was a reminder of how much I enjoy cooking, even in the midst of chaos. And the taste? Absolutely divine.

This Broccolini Almond Pizza has become a new family favorite. The recipe is now permanently saved in my recipe box (both the physical one and the digital one!). It's a delicious and simple way to get your family eating their greens!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the upper third of the oven. If you're using a baking stone or baking steel, place it in the oven on the top rack.
• Prepare dough through step 5.
• Spread marinara sauce evenly over the two pizzas, or top with drained, crushed tomatoes (crush the tomatoes over the sink to release excess liquid).
• Divide the mozzarella, feta and almonds evenly over the pizzas.
• To prepare the broccolini, fill a large saucepan with a few inches of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Trim off the tough ends of the broccolini. Cut any stems greater than about 1/4" in diameter in half.
• Once the water is boiling, toss in the broccolini, bring back to a boil, and cook for 1 minute.
• Drain the broccolini and pat dry on a lint-free tea towel. Then, toss the broccolini with about 1 teaspoon olive oil, until lightly coated.
• Arrange the broccolini over the pizzas and sprinkle the almonds on top.
• Bake pizzas individually on the top rack until the crust is golden and the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 12 minutes (or significantly less, if you're using a baking stone/steel—keep an eye on it).
• Transfer pizza to a cutting board and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh basil, if using.
• Slice and serve!