Confessions of a Junk Foodie

So, I have a confession to make.  Though I own a health food company, I LOVE junk food like pizza and burgers.  But let’s face it…after seeing how they treat those poor cows and seeing pink slime all over Facebook, I can’t bring myself to eat what's out there in the way of junk food.  (I mean, it’s called JUNK food for a reason…as far as I’m concerned, we can drop the ‘food’ part of it and just call it junk.) 


In the spirit of summer and for all you fellow junk foodies out there, I've included two healthy, delicious recipes ~ Socca Pizza and Chickpea Burgers.  Both are under 500 calories and naturally gluten-free.  

Socca Pizza

Crust Ingredients:

1 cup garbanzo bean flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup water

4 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 tsp minced fresh basil (or 1/2 tsp dried basil)

1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/4 tsp dried rosemary)

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 

2. Combine flour, salt, and pepper into bowl and gradually whisk in water to create a smooth batter. Then, stir in 2 tbsp olive oil and herbs.

3. In a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet, swirl 2 tbsp olive oil.  Then, pour batter and place in oven.

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until center is firm.

While crust is baking, prepare pizza toppings.

Pizza Ingredients:

1/2 - 15 oz can Muir Glen pizza sauce 

8 oz (1 pkg) Daiya Mozzarella Shredded Cheese

2 cups kale

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 diced medium onion

After crust has baked and center is firm, pour half can of of pizza sauce over crust and brush evenly.  Next, add vegetables (or substitute for your favorites).  Finally, top with Daiya Mozarella cheese.  Bake for another 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Chickpea Burgers

Ingredients:

1 cup garbanzo bean flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp parsley flakes

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp garlic granules

1/4 tsp onion powder

2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 cup hot water

2 tbsp olive oil

1. Combine all dry ingredients and blend thoroughly..  Add in lemon juice and hot water, then stir until combined.  

2. In frying pan, heat olive oil over medium. Then add batter (approximately 1/3 - 1/4 cup each) to make 4 patties. 

3. Fry on both sides until golden brown.

Serve with organic BBQ sauce on a bun or in a pita pocket.