If you're looking for an easy weeknight meal for one, look no further than this personal vegan tortilla pizza with homemade mozzarella, mushrooms, tomatoes & basil.
With Dan away at a bachelor party in Montana this past weekend, I spent my days and evenings in the kitchen. I chipped away at recipe testing and even had a little time to veg on the couch and catch up on a few documentaries. Speaking of which, have you seen the documentary Fed Up? It's finally on Netflix, and it's definitely worth a watch.
With so much alone time, I was reminded of the days when Dan used to travel for work on a regular basis. He was usually gone from Monday to Thursday each week, and his absence gave me the opportunity to learn how to cook for one person. Tortilla pizzas emerged as my most frequented dish for three reasons: 1) they're delicious, 2) they're quick, and 3) they're affordable. Considering I was a frugal grad student at that time, the last perk proved to be the most rewarding.
Although I shared a few pita pizzas on the blog back then (you'll have to go searching for those gems, as I'm too embarrassed to link to them), I never shared the trusty tortilla pizza. To make up for lost time, this version is extra special. A sprouted (or gluten-free) tortilla gets slathered with pizza sauce. Then, mounds of homemade cashew mozzarella are dropped on top along with sliced mushrooms and tomatoes. The veggie-covered round gets baked until it's sturdy and crisp, and then fresh basil is sprinkled over top for a pop of freshness.
Using a tortilla for the crust makes for a cracker-like crunch, and it's surprisingly sturdy. The cashew mozzarella is creamy and rich without being heavy, the mushrooms add a savory touch, and the tomatoes add brightness.
The cashew mozzarella is from this pizza power bowl recipe I posted last fall, except I omitted the garlic this time around. To make it, you'll blend raw cashews, water, nutritional yeast, arrowroot powder, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt together until perfectly smooth. Pour it into a saucepan, heat over medium, and whisk constantly until (about 2 minutes) you have a "cheese" that looks like this...
Place the tortilla on a pan. Then, top with the sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and bake at 400F for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tortilla is crisp.
Sprinkle with fresh basil, slice, and devour.
Personal Vegan Tortilla Pizza with Homemade Mozzarella, Mushrooms, Tomatoes & Basil
Ingredients
Cashew Mozzarella
- ¼ cup raw cashews
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ tablespoon arrowroot powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
Pizza
- 1 8- inch sprouted or gluten-free tortilla
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 2 ounces cremini or baby bella mushroooms, destemmed and sliced
- ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- Handful fresh basil leaves
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
For the Cashew Mozzarella
- Add the cashews, water, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, arrowroot powder, and sea salt to a high-powered blender* and blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a small sauce pan. Heat over medium and whisk continuously until it thickens and just starts to become stretchy. Approximately 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
To Assemble
- Line a small baking pan with parchment paper. Place the tortilla on the pan and top with the pizza sauce. Use a tablespoon and drop heaping spoonfuls of the mozzarella on the sauce. Top with the mushrooms and tomatoes. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tortilla is crisp and the veggies are tender. Chiffonade the basil leaves and sprinkle over the pizza along with the crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
Gotta love a pizza that's all for you! That vegan mozzarella has been floating around the blogosphere lately and it's just so delicious.
Absolutely! I originally shared the mozzarella recipe back in october in a pizza power bowl but I neglected to share it on an actual pizza. Figured I shouldn't waste any more time!
This is the only way I ever make my pizza! A personal (food For Life) Tortilla! The cashew mozzarella looks incredible! O love making cashew cheese, but never made it lovely like that!
Thanks so much, Rebecca! The mozzarella definitely makes this pizza feel a bit special, which as a former cheese-loving fool, I really appreciate.
Wow, that looks amazing! I have to try it soon.
Thanks so much, Sandra!
I've been a fan of tortilla pizzas ever since you first posted one on instagram! I haven't tried this combo so I will definitely be trying this soon! I love cashew mozzarella!
Yes! I remember that drool-worthy one you made last spring!! Tortilla pizzas are the best, aren't they? I hope you enjoy this one, Karissa!
Also, have you ever tried pita pizza or naan pizza? Also, two other great personal pizza options :)
omg need to try this mozzarella cheese!!! looks so heavenly :)
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OH I went to see Fed Up at the Hot Doc's festival last year in TO. So interesting. I have been dining solo a lot as my man is travelling for work so this looks like a perfect addition to the weeknight menu. xo