Hummus Pizza-Type Thing

Slightly burned feta on top is a must.

During my first year of grad school, I worked at the fabulous Bloomington Bagel Company. Now, I'm not going to start making any kind of crazy claims about actually finding good New York bagels in Indiana, but for the midwest, they really do make good bagels. And good bagel-related concoctions, too.

One such concoction that I loved (even after a year of working there) was called the Mediterranean Bialy. Initially, my New York senses were offended by the fact that they called this item a bialy, because it's not a bialy at all. It's more like a little pizza made with bagel dough. But I was eventually able to see past this flaw and appreciate the Mediterranean Bialy... and crave it once I moved away.

I think the original had olives, which I always leave out, and sliced tomatoes, which I sometimes include, and I'm not sure if it had capers or red onions, but mine definitely does.

Also, in case you're tempted to just make it into one big pizza and cut slices, I'd recommend sticking with the individual-sized pizzas. The hummus tends to get very heavy and messy when you try to cut slices.

The Recipe:

Pizza dough (1 dough will make 4 individual pizzas)

4 slices provolone cheese

4 tsp pesto (or a handful of fresh basil leaves)

1/2 c hummus

Other toppings in whatever quantity you like them: red onion, feta cheese, capers, banana peppers

And though I didn't use them, you might want to include: tomato, olives

Cut pizza dough into 4 equal parts and shape into individual pizzas
Spread pesto on the dough or lay down fresh basil leaves
Optionally, put one or two other toppings in this bottom layer. I like the onions to go here.
Top with a slice of provolone cheese
Spread hummus over the cheese in an even layer
Press the rest of your toppings down into the hummus
Bake according to the directions for your pizza dough (mine cooked at 425 for 10 minutes)

The Verdict:

Overall grade: B+

Overall reason: It's absolutely delicious, but not the most nutritious meal

Time to prepare: 20 minutes

Husband quote: "When you put hummus on pizza, you can have hummus any time!"

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