Make it Great with What’s on Hand

Naan Pizza

Making the most of what we have on hand is a guiding principle that can assist us in many areas of life.  Lately, I have been using this concept in relation to the  meals I make for myself and my family.  I am finding that limiting my creations to what’s on hand has given a boost to my culinary adventures and given me reason to explore some new territory with the foods I choose to combine.

Upon returning home from my belated Mother’s Day herb shopping, I arranged each tender new plant in their appropriate container and came inside for lunch.  Sure, there were a few ready-to-eat leftovers available, as well as some quick-serve fare like microwave meals and canned goods. But I also knew there was that lonely half of a piece of Naan leftover from yesterday’s curry (3 days past sell by date and already heated once.)

Hmmm….what would pair well with this, I thought as I began my search in the refrigerator.  I also discovered 1/4 of a slightly over-ripe tomato and immediately pictured the two ingredients blending together with my newly acquired fresh herbs and some other tasty ingredients for a quick & healthy pizza.

Naan Pizza

Naan – (3 day-old leftover, previously baked)

Olive oil –  (about 1 Tbsp)

Fresh herbs – (I used basil, tarragon & rosemary)

Sea salt – (just a pinch)

Garlic – (1 clove, sliced thinly)

Tomato – (1/4 large, thinly sliced)

Broccoli – (I used the tender tiny “trees” near the center of one nice-sized stalk)

Red pepper ( ¼ large red pepper) – mine was slightly wrinkly on outside…still OK inside

Kalamata Olives – about 5 (pitted, sliced in half)

Parmesan Cheese (small chunks)

Mozzarella Cheese (about 1/4 cup)

COMBINE

Olive oil, herbs, sea salt and garlic and spread onto Naan

Layer Tomato

Layer Broccoli, Red Peppers and Kalamata Olives

Another Layer of Tomato

Parmesan Chunks

Mozzarella Cheese

BAKE

425° 10 min or until cheese melts

SERVED WITH

1/2 an apple, raisins, pecans

I enjoyed my tasty creation over a ‘virtual’ lunch date with a friend.  Life is GOOD!!!