Vegetarian Eggplant Naan Pizza with Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto

• Vegetarian

• Produce

  • 1 cup Cilantro
  • 1 Eggplant, cut into 1/3-inch slices, medium
  • 1 Garlic clove, large
  • 1 tbsp Jalapeno pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Red chile flakes

• Condiments

  • 2 tsp Lime juice, fresh

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 Pinch Pepper
  • 1 Pinch Salt

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1/4 cup Olive oil, Extra Virgin
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

• Bread & Baked Goods

  • 2 pieces Naan, store-bought or homemade whole wheat or regular

• Dairy

  • 2 oz Mozzarella, fresh

Found on cookincanuck.com

Description

Ingredients

• The pesto:
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp minced seeded jalapeno pepper
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• The pizza:
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into ⅓-inch slices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pieces naan (whole wheat or regular, store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ tsp red chile flakes
• 2 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Directions

• The pesto:
• In the bowl of a food processor or a blender, combine cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, salt and pepper. Pulse to roughly chop. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Blend until smooth.
• The pizza:
• Preheat the broiler. Set the rack 2 to 3 inches from the heat source.
• Lay the eggplant pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush both sides of eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place eggplant under the broiler and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch it carefully so it doesnt burn! Let cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Lower the oven rack to the middle setting and turn the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the naan pieces on an ungreased baking sheet.
• Divide the pesto between the pieces of naan and spread evenly. Top with eggplant, overlapping the pieces slightly. Sprinkle with dried red chile flakes and top with mozzarella.
• Place the pizzas in the oven and cook until cheese is melted and naan are starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Cut into strips and serve.