Ingredients
Method
Tap the time in each step to start a build-in timer and cook with a little more ease and flow. Be sure to have your volume up to hear the timer chimes!
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).Line a baking tray with parchment paper.🌿 Mindful Moment: As the oven warms, pause and notice the beginning of the process. Take a slow breath and think about what you'd like to bring into this meal.👧 Kid Prompt: “What kind of pizza adventure are we going on today?”💬 Reflective Prompt: “What are you hoping to feel while making this meal?”Make the Lentil Spread:
In a bowl, mash the lentils with the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, and salt until thick and spreadable.Feel free to keep some of the lentil aside to use as a topping for some extra texture!🌿 Mindful Moment: Feel the texture changing beneath your spoon or masher. Notice the earthy scent of lentils and spices coming together.👧 Kid Prompt: “Let’s call this pizza paint, what would yours be named?”💬 Reflective Prompt: “What do you notice about the texture as it transforms?”Fold the Meringue:
Add ⅓ of the dry mix to the meringue and fold gently into each other. Continue adding in parts until the batter flows like lava.🌿 Mindful Moment: Move slowly and intentionally. Notice the texture shifting, thick, smooth, flowing.👧 Kid Prompt: “Does this batter move like lava or like a slow river?”💬 Prompt: “What texture does this remind you of?”Prepare the Veggies:
Toss the vegetables with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast separately on a tray for 15 to 20 minutes or until slightly golden.Make sure not to over crowd your pan or it will affect the roasting time and how golden the veggies get. Feel free to roast in batches or use two pans, rotating halfway through. 🌿 Mindful Moment: Notice the colours of the vegetables before and after roasting. Watch how heat changes them.👧 Kid Prompt: “Can you smell the veggie rainbow waking up?”💬 Reflective Prompt: “Which colour catches your attention most today?”Build Your Pizzas:
Place pitas on the baking tray. Spread a thick layer of lentil mash over each pita and top with the roasted vegetables and cheese if using.🌿 Mindful Moment: Build slowly and intentionally. Notice the colours, shapes, and textures you choose.👧 Kid Prompt: “Can you design your pizza to tell a story?”💬 Reflective Prompt: “What toppings make this feel complete to you?”Bake Until Golden:
Bake the assembled pizzas for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are crisp and toppings are warmed through.🌿 Mindful Moment: As they bake, notice the aromas filling the kitchen. Let the waiting become part of the experience.👧 Kid Prompt: “What do you think your pizza is dreaming about in the oven?”💬 Reflective Prompt: “How does anticipation feel in your body?”Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish the pita pizzas with some fresh herbs, drizzles, or toppings of choice. Cut into triangles, halves, or enjoy whole.Make sure to let the pitas sit for a bit to cool slightly before eating. 🌿 Mindful Moment: Before taking the first bite, pause and admire what you've created.👧 Kid Prompt: “Which bite looks the most exciting?”💬 Reflective Prompt: “What are you most proud of in this meal?”
Nutrition
Notes
Note: the nutritional content is an approx. per pita with no cheese.
Kid Friendly: This recipe is great for picky eaters, it offers the familiar (pita + mash) and let's them choose the rest.
Therapeutic Focus: Encourages play, control, and choice while offering complex carbs and plant protein for mood support.
Meal Prep Tip: Mash the lentils ahead of time and store for 3 to 4 days. Leftovers work great in wraps, quesadillas, or as a dip.
Food = Art: Offer cookie cutters to shape veggies or pita into hearts, stars, or animals.
Tips & Tricks
- Gluten-Free: Use GF pita or flatbread.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in some tahini or hummus into the lentil mash.
- Time-Saver: Use canned lentils and pre-cut veggies.
- More Crunch: Toast the pita slightly before assembling.
Storage & Serving
Fridge: Store the assembled pizzas in a sealed container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Freezer: Wrap the cooled, assembled pita pizzas in parchment paper, then foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Reheating:- Oven or Toaster Oven: Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes
- Microwave: This option softens the crust, so wrap the pita in a paper towel and microwave for 45 seconds
- Air Fryer: Re-crisps the edges in 3 to 4 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Harissa Pizza: Stir in some harissa paste into the lentil mash.
- Greek Style: Add in kalamata olives, sun-dried tomato, crumbled feta to the toppings.
- Breakfast Pizza: Add some scrambled tofu or eggs to the toppings.
- Sweet Base: Use mashed roasted carrots and cinnamon as the base.
Drink Recommendations
Family Friendly- Apple mint iced tea
- Lemon balm infusion
- Cucumber + citrus water
- Rooibos vanilla warm tea
- Dry white wine or sangria
- Chilled herbal mocktail or cocktail
- Citrus kombucha
- Moroccan mint tea (hot or iced)