Craving a mouthwatering pizza that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy? Get ready to transform your dinner game with these Balsamic Marinated Portobello Pizzas - a culinary masterpiece that proves plant-based eating can be absolutely irresistible! Imagine tender, meaty portobello mushrooms bathed in rich balsamic vinegar, topped with zesty marinara and melted vegan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean the portobello mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems and carefully scrape out the dark gills using a spoon to create a clean, smooth surface for marinating.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place the cleaned portobello mushrooms gill-side up and drizzle the marinade generously over each mushroom, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Let the mushrooms marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes, occasionally spooning the marinade over them to enhance flavor absorption.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Place the marinated portobello mushrooms gill-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly over each mushroom, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden, and the mushrooms are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally drizzling additional balsamic vinegar or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Tips
- • Clean mushrooms gently to preserve their delicate texture - a damp paper towel works best. • Don't rush the marinating process; those 10 minutes allow the balsamic to deeply penetrate the mushrooms. • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. • For extra flavor, try adding fresh garlic or red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. • Let the pizzas cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth. • Experiment with different vegan cheese brands to find your favorite melt and flavor profile. • Fresh basil is key - tear it just before garnishing to maximize its aromatic potential.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
