Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pita Pizzas

The aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and basil always transports me back to my tiny apartment in Rome. I had a small balcony garden overflowing with herbs, and I practically lived on simple, delicious meals like this. One day, when I was short on time but craving those familiar Italian flavors, I threw this together using ingredients I had on hand – pita bread as a quick pizza base, spinach, and some tangy goat cheese. It was an instant hit and became a regular weeknight staple. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 cups spinach, torn
• 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon sugar
• 2 pita bread rounds
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (or 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled)

Equipment Needed

• Sheet pan
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, oregano, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce.
2. Lightly brush both sides of the pita bread rounds with olive oil.
3. Place the oiled pitas on a sheet pan.
4. Preheat your broiler. Lightly broil the pitas until they are slightly crispy, but be careful not to burn them. This usually takes just a minute or two. Keep a close eye on them!
5. Remove the pitas from the broiler. Spread the tomato paste mixture evenly over each pita.
6. Layer the spinach, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the sauce on both pitas.
7. Sprinkle the goat cheese or feta cheese over the toppings.
8. Broil again until the cheese begins to melt and is slightly bubbly. This should only take a minute or two. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove from the broiler and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pre-wilting the spinach: If you prefer a less bulky pizza, quickly sauté the spinach in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted before adding it to the pita. This will also intensify its flavor.
• Infusing the oil: For extra flavor, infuse the olive oil with garlic and herbs before brushing it on the pitas. Simply heat the oil with a crushed garlic clove and some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over low heat for a few minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool before using.
• Preventing soggy pitas: Broiling the pitas before adding the toppings helps prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also lightly toast them in a toaster oven for a similar effect.
• Cheese distribution: To ensure even cheese coverage, crumble the goat cheese finely and distribute it evenly over the toppings.
• Broiler proximity: Keep a close eye on the pizzas while broiling. The closer they are to the heat source, the faster they will cook and the higher the risk of burning. Adjust the rack position in your oven as needed.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pita Pizzas immediately for the best taste and texture. They are delicious as a light lunch, a quick dinner, or as appetizers at a party. Cut each pita into wedges for easy sharing.

Leftover pita pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster oven, a regular oven, or even a microwave. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven will help maintain the crispiness of the pita. If using a microwave, be aware that the pita may become slightly softer.

These pita pizzas are best consumed fresh, but you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance. The tomato paste mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the basil and slice the garlic in advance.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	425 kcal	21%
Total Fat	28g	43%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	10mg	3%
Sodium	1000mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	39g	13%
Dietary Fiber	6g	24%
Sugars	15g	N/A
Protein	8.5g	17%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Substitute the goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pita bread for a gluten-free version.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan.
• Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato paste mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions.
• Pesto Base: Instead of tomato paste, use pesto as a base for a different flavor profile.
• Herby Goodness: Incorporate other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an enhanced aroma.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
A: While you can use fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense, concentrated flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If using fresh, consider roasting them first to enhance their flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the pita bread from burning under the broiler?
A: Keep a close eye on the pitas while broiling, and adjust the rack position in your oven so that they are not too close to the heat source. Also, lightly brushing the pitas with oil helps them crisp up without burning too quickly.

Q: Can I make these pita pizzas ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and bake the pita pizzas just before serving for optimal taste and texture. However, you can prepare the tomato paste mixture and chop the toppings in advance to save time.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these pita pizzas?
A: Reheating in a toaster oven or regular oven will help maintain the crispiness of the pita. If using a microwave, the pita may become slightly softer.

Q: Can I freeze these pita pizzas?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the pita bread and toppings may become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pita Pizzas is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It is incredibly adaptable to your own taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a solo treat. I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different variations to create your own signature pita pizza. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and creative twists – I’m always eager to learn from fellow food enthusiasts! Perhaps pair these pita pizzas with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Buon appetito!