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Chef Joey’s Vegan Nori Pizzas

The first time I made these, I was convinced I was either a culinary genius or completely insane. Staring at a stack of nori sheets, a rainbow of chopped vegetables, and a bright green avocado sauce, I laughed out loud. It was a far cry from the pepperoni pizzas of my childhood, but one bite proved that this unconventional creation was something truly special: a vibrant, flavorful, and shockingly satisfying raw vegan delight that has become a regular treat in my kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3
Yield: 3 pizzas
Dietary Type: Vegan, Raw, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Crust:

6 sheets nori (square or round sheets)

For the Sauce:

3 avocados
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced and divided

For the Toppings:

12 cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
1 sweet bell pepper, finely chopped
1 large shredded carrot
½ cup kalamata olives, chopped small
¾ cup vegan cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

3 plates
Food processor

Instructions

Begin by preparing the nori sheets. Take 3 of the sheets and lightly brush one side of each with water. This will act as a natural adhesive.
Carefully place one wet nori sheet on top of each of the remaining 3 dry nori sheets. You should now have three doubled nori sheets, each resting on a separate plate. These will form the base of your pizzas. Set aside.
Prepare the toppings. Shred the carrot if it isn’t already. Shred the vegan cheese. Place them into separate bowls and set them aside.
Chop the bell pepper, olives, and tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Combine them in a bowl and set aside.
Now, make the avocado sauce. In a food processor, combine the avocados, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and half (6) of the thinly sliced basil leaves.
Puree the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Divide the avocado puree evenly between the three nori sheets, spreading it out to cover the entire surface of each sheet.
Distribute the chopped vegetables evenly over each of the three pizzas, creating a colorful and appealing topping.
Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese generously over each pizza.
Thinly chop the remaining 6 basil leaves.
Top each pizza with one-third of the chopped basil.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Bon Appetit!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Nori Quality: Use high-quality nori sheets for the best flavor and texture. Roasted nori adds a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Avocado Ripeness: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest sauce. They should yield gently to pressure.
Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the avocado sauce by adding a tablespoon of water or lemon juice if needed.
Vegan Cheese Choice: Experiment with different types of vegan cheese to find your favorite. Some melt better than others, even though these pizzas are not cooked.
Pre-Chopping: Chop all your vegetables in advance to speed up the assembly process. This is a great make-ahead tip.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the avocado sauce for a touch of heat.
Even Distribution: Make sure the sauce and toppings are evenly distributed across the nori to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Chef Joey’s Vegan Nori Pizzas immediately after assembling. The nori can become soggy if left to sit for too long. These pizzas are best enjoyed fresh!

Serving: Present each pizza on its own plate, or cut into wedges for easier handling. Garnish with extra basil leaves for an elegant touch.
Storage: Due to the fresh ingredients, these pizzas are not ideal for long-term storage. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 hours. Be aware that the nori will soften over time. They are not suitable for freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	405.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	294 g	73%
Total Fat	32.7 g	50%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	202.1 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	29.1 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	18.5 g	74%
Sugars	5.1 g	20%
Protein	8.8 g	17%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Nut-Free: Ensure your vegan cheese and other ingredients are nut-free if needed.
Spicy Avocado Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the avocado sauce for a kick.
Different Toppings: Use any vegetables you like! Sliced cucumbers, sprouts, or shredded purple cabbage are great additions.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley in the sauce or as a topping.
Seed Topping: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds for added nutrition and crunch.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?
A: The avocado sauce is best made fresh, as it can brown quickly. If you need to make it in advance, add a squeeze of lemon juice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours.

Q: Can I use regular cheese instead of vegan cheese?
A: While this recipe is designed to be vegan, you can certainly use regular cheese if you prefer. However, consider using a cheese that doesn’t have a ton of moisture.

Q: The nori gets soggy quickly. How can I prevent this?
A: Assemble the pizzas just before serving to prevent the nori from becoming too soggy. You can also try lightly toasting the nori sheets before adding the toppings to make them a bit more crisp.

Q: What other vegetables would work well on these pizzas?
A: Get creative! Sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, sprouts, shredded carrots, and red onions all make excellent toppings.

Q: Can I add some protein to this pizza?
A: Absolutely! You can add crumbled tofu, cooked quinoa, or sprinkle with hemp seeds to add protein.

Final Thoughts

Chef Joey’s Vegan Nori Pizzas are a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both delicious and fun. This vibrant dish is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, raw vegetables in a creative and satisfying way. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. It’s a conversation starter and a delightful culinary adventure all in one!

Chef Joey’s Vegan Nori Pizzas Recipe