Hello there! Kian Lefteris here and I’m excited to share with you my absolutely delicious Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza with Vegan Lamb Recipe. This recipe is one that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean sea with its tangy and fresh flavors. I guarantee that once you take a bite, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation. The best part? It’s completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy it!
Kian Lefteris was born and raised in a small village in the mountains of northern Greece. He later moved to the city to pursue his passion for crafting handmade leather shoes. In his free time, Kian enjoys playing the mandolin and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. He finds cooking to be a way to connect with his family’s Mediterranean roots while adding his own modern and vegan twist.
Kian Lefteris currently resides in the United States and grew up in Greece.
As someone who was born and raised in a small village in the mountains of northern Greece, Mediterranean cuisine holds a special place in my heart. In fact, the flavors of this recipe are reminiscent of meals my family and I used to enjoy during holidays and family gatherings. Food in Greece has always been a way to connect and bond with loved ones. And now, as a vegan, I enjoy finding creative ways to give a modern twist to classic recipes while still staying true to the flavors I grew up with.
This recipe has its roots in many different cultures, as much of Mediterranean food does. The vegan lamb is inspired by my travels to the Middle East, where lamb is a common protein, and I put my own spin on it to make it vegan. The recipe also incorporates the bold flavors of Kalamata olives, which are indigenous to my home country of Greece. The fresh mint on top is a nod to my Greek heritage, as it’s often used in Mediterranean cuisine. With all these flavors combined, this recipe is the perfect representation of the melting pot that is Mediterranean cuisine.
What you need
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean with this scrumptious Vegan Flatbread Pizza recipe. The dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, from the tanginess of Kalamata olives to the freshness of mint leaves, delivering a wow factor to your taste buds. In this recipe, vegan lamb is used as the main protein to deliver the perfect robust taste of Mediterranean flavors. The recipe has a fairly easy preparation process, starting with the preheating of the oven, then rolling out the dough and adding the sauce and vegan lamb, before loading up with toppings like thinly-sliced onions, sweet cherry tomatoes, and salty Kalamata olives. The pizza is then baked to perfection, garnished with fresh mint and hummus for that extra burst of flavor. Trust me, this recipe is the one to beat. It’s perfect for an appetizer or a main course, and it’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough – Pizza dough serves as the base of the flatbread pizza. You can either make it from scratch or buy pre-made. If you are gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza dough.
- Vegan Lamb – Vegan Lamb is a plant-based alternative to meat that’s made from wheat gluten. It’s flavored with herbs and spices that emulate the taste of lamb. If you cannot find vegan lamb, you can swap it with your preferred vegetable protein such as tofu, tempeh or seitan, seasoned with your preferred herbs and spices.
- Marinara Sauce – Marinara sauce gives the pizza a rich tomato flavor. You can buy pre-made or make it from scratch. If you want to add a different flavor profile, try a pesto or hummus base instead.
- Kalamata olives – Kalamata olives are a salty and tangy ingredient that adds a distinct Mediterranean flavor to the pizza. You can swap them for green or black olives, or leave them out if you don’t like olives.
- Red Onion – Red onion adds a sweet and spicy flavor, and a pop of color to the pizza. You can swap it with white onion, or leave it out if you are not a fan of onions.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes add a juicy and fresh flavor to the pizza. You can also use roma or vine tomatoes sliced into small pieces.
- Fresh Mint – Fresh mint provides a pop of flavor and color to the pizza. You can swap it for fresh parsley or basil, or add both to the pizza.
- Hummus – Hummus adds a creamy texture and subtle flavor to the pizza. You can also drizzle tahini sauce or vegan yogurt instead of hummus.
Utensils:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s knife
- Spatula
- Pizza cutter – You can also use a sharp knife if you don’t have a pizza cutter.
Kalamata Olives
I’m a huge fan of Kalamata olives, and I think they are the perfect choice for this flatbread pizza recipe. These Greek olives are a little bit larger than the average black olive, and they pack quite a flavor punch. They are also versatile, and can be used in all kinds of recipes, from salads to dips to sandwiches. Kalamata olives are low in calories, but high in healthy monounsaturated fats. They contain fiber, Vitamin E, and iron, among other essential nutrients. Their salty and tangy taste can be a little strong for some people, but when paired with the sweeter flavors of red onion and the vegan lamb, they blend in perfectly. Don’t skip on the Kalamata olives in this recipe; they’ll bring the pizza to life!
Fresh Mint
Fresh mint is a herb that I always keep in my kitchen. I use it in all kinds of recipes, from cocktails to salads to desserts. In this recipe, fresh mint provides a burst of freshness that complements the other Mediterranean flavors. Mint has a very distinct flavor that can be both sweet and savory, and it pairs well with tangy and acidic ingredients. Mint is also great for digestion and can help to soothe an upset stomach. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, and it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Using fresh mint in cooking can sometimes be overwhelming, but in this recipe, the amount is just the right balance to provide a subtle aroma and a refreshing taste. Add it to a glass of mint-infused water and you’ll have a perfect drink to pair with the flatbread pizza!
What to serve it with?
When I make my Delicious Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza with Vegan Lamb Recipe, I love serving it with a fresh, simple salad. I usually go for a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. To me, this salad is the perfect complement to the pizza because it’s a refreshing contrast to the warm and hearty flatbread. Plus, serving the salad with the pizza makes for a complete and well-rounded meal. Eating a lot of greens is important to me and this is one way I can always make sure I’m getting my daily dose. The best part is, you can customize the salad with your favorite toppings and dressings to make it your own.
Summary
I hope you enjoyed cooking my Delicious Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza with Vegan Lamb Recipe just as much as I enjoy making and eating it. I would love to hear your feedback on the use of vegan lamb and how it compares to traditional lamb pizzas. Do you think it’s a good modern twist on a classic recipe, or are you a true traditionalist at heart? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. And if you loved this recipe and would like to see more like it, please feel free to subscribe to my blog for more vegan Mediterranean recipes that will delight your taste buds!
Here’s the recipe:
Delicious Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza with Vegan Lamb Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Rolling Pin
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- spatula
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pizza dough
- 1 pound Vegan Lamb
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
- 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
- 1 medium, thinly sliced Red Onion
- 1/2 cup, sliced Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Mint
- 2 tablespoons Hummus
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat your oven to 425-degree Fahrenheit. -
- Roll out the pizza dough - Roll out the pizza dough to fit a rectangular baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet. - To prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the rolling pin or the countertop, sprinkle it with a little bit of flour. If the dough is too elastic, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Add the marinara sauce and the vegan lamb - Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Add the vegan lamb on top of the sauce. - Make sure to spread the marinara sauce evenly, so that every bite of the pizza has enough tomato flavor. You can use your favorite type of marinara, and add herbs and spices to taste. If the vegan lamb comes in large chunks, break it down into smaller pieces before adding it to the pizza.
- Add your toppings - Sprinkle the sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives on top. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked. - You can add your favorite toppings to this pizza, or experiment with different ingredients. The red onion and cherry tomatoes add a pop of color, while the Kalamata olives provide a salty and tangy flavor. You can sprinkle some dried oregano or basil on top of the pizza before baking, for additional flavor.
- Garnish with fresh mint and hummus - Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh mint and hummus. Slice and serve hot or warm. - Fresh mint and hummus bring a refreshing and creamy twist to the pizza. You can also use cilantro, parsley or basil instead of mint, and substitute the hummus with vegan tahini sauce, or a vegan yogurt sauce. Be careful not to add too much mint, as it can overpower the other flavors.
