Italian scientists at the National Cancer Institute in Naples claim they have designed a cancer-preventing pizza. Their Pizza Pascalina is being called “the pizza that extends life” and an “anti-tumour” pizza.
North American pizza is generally thought of as an unhealthy treat… so what’s the difference with this new style of pizza?
First, there is no cheese or meat on it. The ingredients, chosen for their ability to decrease risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer, are common in the Mediterranean diet.
It has fresh tomatoes which contain vitamins and minerals, and some research suggests tomatoes may slow the growth of some cancers.
It also has olives and olive oil – basic ingredients of the healthy Mediterranean diet that contain healthy fats our bodies need. Broccoli is another vegetable in the recipe that provides vitamins and minerals and has been shown to reduce risk of various cancers, according to some research.
Here’s my version of this recipe:
Whole wheat crust
4 cups whole wheat flour (bread flour is best)
2 tsp (1 envelope) instant rise yeast
1 tsp salt
Mix together then add:
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey (optional - helps "feed" the yeast)
Mix, then knead until smooth and elastic, 5 – 10 mins
To knead, fold dough in half towards you, push away with heels of hands, turn dough 1/4 turn, and repeat. Add flour underneath and on top as needed to prevent sticking.
Let rest for 10 mins, then spread in pizza pans (makes 2 pizzas)
Meanwhile, prepare desired amount of toppings:
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Rapini (a type of broccoli) – finely chopped (I used regular broccoli)
Ripe olives (Kalamata) – pitted and sliced
Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic
Onions
Chilli or other spices/herbs as desired (I used tarragon, oregano and basil)
Fry onions and garlic in olive oil until softened
Add tomatoes – fry until excess liquid is mostly evaporated
Add finely chopped broccoli
Spread 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil on uncooked pizza crusts
Add toppings from pan
Sprinkle on sliced olives, herbs and/or spices
Bake at 500F 10-15 mins, or until browned on bottom and edges
I didn’t miss the salami or pepperoni at all, but I did add some cooked seafood (small scallops, shrimp) to mine to make it tasty! And I cheated just a little and added a small amount of Asiago – a strong cheese that you don’t need much of to add flavour. A small amount of Parmesan or Feta would work too, and these provide some calcium that our bodies require. It’s all about the amount you add… everything in moderation!
I love making pizza and have been making it for many years, but I think this was the best one I’ve ever made... tasty as well as healthy! Researchers say this one is healthy enough to have it twice a week.
Let me know how yours turns out if you decide to try it!
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