What's For Dinner: Roasted Lentil Pizza

February. A funny month, isn't it? Short and sweet, like a whispered prayer in the midst of winter's stubborn linger. Sometimes I feel like the days just melt into one another, each bringing its own gentle push and pull. There are always tasks that call for our attention, and the world seems to spin at a pace that often leaves me feeling a bit breathless. It's in these moments, when the world outside feels a bit hushed and my own energy is best used for contemplative quiet, that my heart turns inward, finding simple gratitude for life’s gentle provisions.

And speaking of provisions, sometimes the greatest provision is a meal that feels both wholesome and deeply comforting, allowing us to simply *be* at the table, rather than constantly striving. This Roasted Lentil Pizza has been just that for us lately. It’s a quiet revelation, really – the earthiness of the lentils, toasted to a lovely little crunch, adding a texture and depth that makes an ordinary weeknight feel just a little more special. It's not about the fuss; it's about the presence allowed when good food nourishes the body and quiet moments nourish the soul.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe)
• 1/2 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for lentils)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite pizza cheeses)
• Optional toppings: fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the rinsed red lentils with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the lentils are evenly coated.
3. Spread the seasoned lentils in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender yet pleasantly crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. On a lightly floured surface or directly on a piece of parchment paper, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.
5. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
7. Generously scatter the roasted lentils over the cheese. If using, add any other optional toppings like spinach, red onion, or bell peppers.
8. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

As the warmth of the oven fades and the aroma of herbs fills the air, there's a gentle reminder that even in the quiet hum of an ordinary Tuesday, there's grace to be found. A good meal shared, a moment of presence, a little whisper of thanks for the nourishment before us. It’s not just about what we eat, but the peace we cultivate around it – a small refuge in a world that often demands so much.

As the days continue their quiet march towards spring, what small, comforting ritual brings a sense of peace to your own table?

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Photo by Eric McNew on Unsplash

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