A Quick Thin Crust Pizza
I have been looking for convenience lately. I am loving homemade, but sometimes it is not as practical for me and I get caught flat footed. I am always working toward that goal, but I guess I have just not reached that level. If I can find something that does not have soy or additives that I cannot pronounce I try to include them in my pantry or freezer. I found lavash at the market. I try to keep some in the freezer to have it on hand. You can use it in so many ways. I usually use them for wraps. They are great for smoked turkey or ham, a smear of any condiment you like, roll it up and cut it in sections. They make great pinwheel appetizers or in larger size a great sandwich for lunch with a cup of soup. But today I made pizza, a quick thin crust pizza.
In my defense I did make homemade sauce, I made Mari’s meat sauce sans cream. It is a great sauce. I jarred and froze some and had some for dinner. I had a little left over the next day. What to do? I pulled out a lavash, slathered it with a little of her sauce, some Parmesan, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Gave it a couple slices of mozzarella over the top and baked it at 400° for 8 minutes. I usually use my light color half-sheet pans for baking, but when I make these I use my dark pan because the bottom gets crisper. Don’t load the filling too heavily or it will not support the crust. It’s thin crust pizza.
Fresh basil should be added after you remove the pizza from the oven. It is delicate and will blacken if added while too hot. Do a chiffonade and have it ready; sprinkle on top as soon as it starts to cool and the smell will waft up. I find that smell heavenly. My basil is almost gone for the season. Basil is one of the reasons that spring is my favorite time of year. I think it just freshens a recipe and I long for basil season. If your basil is gone for the season and you were more proactive than I was, then a dollop of pesto would be wonderful.
Thin crust pizza with a little green salad makes a great lunch.
Ina said you should take a food item and learn to make it three ways, that way you expand your repertoire and you don’t fall into a rut. I am working on her premise. Thank you Mari for this great sauce.
- Lavash
- ½ cup sauce – meat sauce or marinara
- 4 tablespoon parmesan
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- a sprinkling of red pepper flakes
- a couple basil leaves – chiffonade leaves
- Place parchment on a dark pan if you have one.
- Place lavash on parchment.
- Smear a little sauce on the lavash.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan and herbs.
- Top with mozzarella.
- Bake in 400° for about 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle some fresh basil or a dollop of pesto.
I am taking this to
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I discovered lavish pizzas recently and we have really enjoyed them. I was interested to see how you baked yours. Basil for me makes a pizza. The thin crust is my favorite kind of pizza and they do make a lovely lunch.
Sam
Ms. Lemon says
Lavash is so convenient. I was happy to find some sans soy. I used a dark pan that makes the crust crisper. My pizza stone was broken when the painters accidentally broke it. No replacement yet. 🙂
Penny says
I have used naan for pizzas. I wonder if they are the same as lavish? Will have to look it up. I love how beautiful your pizza looks and using short steps to turn out a nutritious meal is a good thing.
Ms. Lemon says
I love naan. Naan is thicker than lavash, at least the naan I have had. It is more a cross between a tortilla and naan as far as thickness. I love their versatility, you can make pizza or a wrap, or like I said pinwheels cut into appetizer size.
Thanks for stopping by.
Kitty says
I so love making pizza at home, Madonna, and this sure makes for a quick, easy version. We all need those kinds of recipes for a delicious meal and your photo certainly highlights the beauty of this dish.
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Kitty. I don’t find convenience food very often so I was happy to find these. Thanks for the compliment on my photos. I really stress over getting a proper photo.
Kitty says
I just checked out Mari’s sauce recipe and it sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing that,too.
Ms. Lemon says
Kitty, her main blog seems to be gone, the site I referenced is her companion site. I am not sure what happened but I miss her terribly. I have learned so much from her. Both her recipes and her presentation are A+.
Kitty says
I remember her beautiful site, also, and her wonderful recipes.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Yum, would this be appropriate for breakfast? I’m wanting it now and it’s still quite early! Looks delish! I love having quick tricks like this up my sleeve.
Ms. Lemon says
Chris, I have been known to eat dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner. I do love Mari’s sauce and I love the lavash. It is so versatile. Thanks for coming by Chris. I so love hearing from you.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
That’s a great idea, Madonna! I have been buying frozen pizza dough, but I love lavash, so I’m pinning this to try.
Couscous & Consciousness says
Love this idea for a quick and simple pizza, and one which is light enough to enjoy for lunch too. Lavash is actually not that easy to get here, but I’m thinking a tortilla or wrap would make a great substitute.
We just put all our basil plants in the garden for the season on the weekend. Makes me very happy 🙂
Ms. Lemon says
Tortillas are a good substitute, but keep an eye out for the lavash. I propagate basil from one plant all season, but when it is over it is over. Next year I will be making and freezing pesto. Thanks for stopping by.
Carole from Carole's Chatter says
Hi there, just stopped by to let you know you’ve been featured today over at Carole’s Chatter. Cheers
Amy Tong says
I love how easy and simple it is to prepare. Can’t wait to try it.
Ms. Lemon says
If you like thin crust I think you will enjoy. Thanks for stopping by. I am always thrilled when good cooks leave a comment.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
I almost never use lavash, but I should — I like it, a lot. And in this pizza? What a terrific idea. Great dish, and a lighter way to enjoy pizza. Thanks.
Ms. Lemon says
John, lavash is great for quick meal. I try to make everything homemade, but sometimes I am not as organized as I want to be. They are a great helper. If you are a deep-dish guy you may not appreciate it, but we have two camps and the thin camp is pretty happy. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your input.
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
I don’t think there is a person on the planet who doesn’t appreciate a short cut now and again. I probably cook six days out of seven, but on that seventh day I am looking for something easy. What you have done here is sheer brilliance! I cannot wait to try it. I’m from a region where thin crust pizza is the rage, so this greatly appeals. Thanks for the blog visit. Once you brine pork chops you will never make them any other way. 🙂
Ms. Lemon says
Pattie, I believe I saw an episode from ATK that said thin crust was created in St. Louis. I love both thick and thin crust, but lavash is a great short cut for wraps and pizzas. Thanks for the tip for the pork chops.
Jenna says
This sounds perfect~I’ve never tried lavash, but I love a super thin crispy crust pizza~ homemade sauce
Ms. Lemon says
I hope you will give lavash a try.
rattlebridge farm says
Between your styling and Mari’s sauce, you’ve hit it out of the ballpark! Thanks for introducing me to lavash–our stores don’t have it, but I’ll check online. Your photos are absolutely mouth-watering!
Ms. Lemon says
Michael, You have just made my day.
Monique says
I miss M so much!
Madonna you have made her sauce proud:)
Ms. Lemon says
Monique, I came to blogging late and many have given up on blogging for various reasons. Of all the ones that are no more I miss M. most. She is so talented. Thanks for stopping by I appreciate you.
Erin says
This looks really great and I have never used lavash so I am excited to try. Pinned it for later. Found your blog on Full plate Thursday link party and started following on Google +.
Erin
http://theeveryday-mom.blogspot.com/
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Erin. I think you will like it. Be sure not to load it up too heavily or the crust won’t support it.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
A thin crispy crust is my favorite for pizza and I never would have thought to use lavash. I know Mari’s sauce is a good one. Have a great weekend.
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks for stopping by Cathy. I thought this was a great quick crust. OMG I like Mari’s sauce. In fact everything I have made from her recipes have been outstanding.
Stephanie says
I’ve never seen a good homemade thin crust pizza recipe, this one looks perfect! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Adri says
I never thought of using lavash for pizza. What a wonderful idea. Thanks for the tip!
Ms. Lemon says
Give it a try Adri and let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by.
Miz Helen says
I love a thin crust pizza, this looks so good. Hope you are having a great fall day and thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Poppy says
Madonna, your quick thin crust pizza looks and sounds delicious, fast and filling! That tomato sauce, rich and zesty, topped with mozzarella and then fresh basil at the end, is perfect! I’ve never heard of lavash, but I assume it’s a thin, crispy, unleavened bread, similar to Arabic pitas?
Thanks for sharing and the gorgeous pics!
Poppy
Ms. Lemon says
Thanks Poppy. Lavash is sort of a cross between a tortilla and flatbread is the best way I can explain. It taste sort of like a pita, it has air pockets, but not as puffy.
Dianne says
I doubt our small-town grocery store has even heard of lavash. But when I find some, I’ll try this for sure. Love thin crust pizza and this looks yummy.
Ms. Lemon says
If you get to a larger city, if you can find an International market or a Trader Joes you can find it. You can make your own, but this is a nice convenience food. I use very little pre-made food, but these seem to work well for me. Thank you for visiting.