Caesar Roasted Tempeh Pizza

It has been a while since I cooked tempeh and I was struggling with coming up with a new way to do it.  Now you may be asking, why not do it a way you know? Well, I asked myself that too and it mostly came from already being in sweat pants and not wanting to go to the store.  I also needed a new blog recipe.

Anyway, long story short, the Caesar tempeh is really nice.  It would be great in its namesake salad, on a sandwich, or served plain.  I was looking to stretch it into a few meals so I took the pizza route with it, and the tempeh was a nice substitute for meat when used like this.  Also of note, the tomato/garlic/mushroom/parsley mixture would be wonderful as a bruschetta topping or added to a soup.  It is sharp and garlic-y and can be made year round.

That brings me to a dirty secret this week...I like canned mushrooms.  Not all the time, but on pizzas there is something about the texture that just works for me.  You can use fresh or sauteed if you so choose.

Recipe: Pesto Roasted Tempeh

Pesto is such a great ingredient: fresh, bright, occasionally with a bite, it gives a wonderful flavor to most anything.  This is an interesting way to use it in a new way (and perhaps with a new protein).  As you can see in the picture it turns into a very nice sandwich.  

You will need: 

1 block tempeh

3-4 Tablespoons pesto 

Salt 

Pepper

Start the oven preheating to 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to avoid any sticking.  Place the tempeh on the cookie sheet and dollop and spread out one Tablespoon of pesto, add the salt and pepper.  Add another tablespoon if it appears you need a bit more to cover.  Turn the tempeh over and repeat.  Cook on one side for 12-15 minutes, turn (add a bit more pesto),and cook another 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the pesto appears baked on.  

How I served it: 

Half a roll and hollow out some of the bread.  Shred or slice some smoked mozzarella or other cheese and bake or broil until melted.  Top with tempeh and some sauteed zucchini, onion, or other vegetable if desired.  Arugula/spinach/etc would also be very nice.