The Iron Sister
  • Recipes
    • Dessert
    • Main Dish
    • Sides
  • In Other Words

Fried Okra & Chard Pesto Pizza

by theironsister
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Soul food gets the the pizza treatment in this easy, vegan recipe. A vibrant chard pesto takes the place of traditional marinara for a lighter alternative to heavy cheeses and sugar-laden sauce. Avoid the delivery fees and make dinner drool-worthy when you make this delicious vegan, nut-free, fried okra and chard pesto pizza!

Top It Off

Fried okra is one of my all-time favorite foods. I have countless memories of eating them hot and fresh from the skillet, piled beside barbecued pork or or baked beans. The undeniably unique crunch, accessibility, and connection the South are a few reasons why fried okra has a special place in my heart. So, I decided to use it as a pizza topping in this fried okra and chard pesto pizza recipe!

Fried okra pizza. It might sound a little weird until you take a bite. Crunchy okra, snappy cabbage, and soft roasted onions taste amazing piled on top of tangy pesto sauce and thick crust. Incredible texture and explosive plant-based flavor all in one pizza pie. The dough is unbelievably easy, but you can substitute store-bought dough if you’d like.

fried okra pizza
Shine Bright

Don’t know what to do with extra produce that may be past its prime? Pizza is the perfect vehicle for veggies and herbs to get their shine on. Pesto makes great use of leafy greens, while onions and cabbage make deliciously affordable pizza-toppers. Healthy pizza is a possible.

I’m such a fan of the bright colors of this fried okra and chard pesto pizza- they signify good-for-you, fresh flavor that your whole family will love. Step outside pepperoni (love a pep tho) and use fresh, seasonal ingredients to amp up the experience. Experiment with different toppings that you have on hand in your kitchen. This unique, delicious pizza will become a go-to when you want something comforting and special.

Fried Okra & Chard Pesto Pizza

Rai Mincey
Soul food gets the pizza treatment in this delicious, vegan fried okra pizza recipe
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Seasonal, Southern
Servings 6

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup water

Pesto + Toppings

  • 2 cups chard
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 lemon (juice)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup white onion sliced
  • 1/3 cup red cabbage chopped

Fried Okra

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup okra trimmed and halved
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 3/4 cup white cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

Fried Okra

  • Add oil to skillet. Preheat skillet to medium high heat. Combine cornmeal, salt, and pepper. Dip okra pieces in egg, then cornmeal mixture, coating evenly.You may have to do this in two rounds to avoid overcrowding skillet. Cook until all sides are golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Pesto

  • Add garlic to processor and pulse to finely chop. Add chard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse to chop, gradually adding olive oil until oil is fully incorporated. Scrapes sides of food processor and repeat.

Dough

  • Combine flours, yeast, salt, sugar, and garlic powder in a large bowl- making sure that ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add olive oil and water, then use a wooden spoon to stir. Mix until a sticky dough forms and pulls away from sides of bowl.
  • Place dough into a well-oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled. Punch down, then use your hand or rolling pin to stretch and form a 10-12 inch circle. Press out toward the edges to form crust.
  • Brush pizza dough generously with olive oil, then layer pesto. Top with onions, cabbage, and fried okra. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook at 450 for 15-18 minutes. Let cool.
Keyword healthy meals, nut free, peach pizza, vegan

Like this:

Like Loading...

Post navigation

Pumpkin Goji Berry Blondies
Tamarind Fudge Cake with Cinnamon-Rum Buttercream Frosting

2 comments

  • Kody
    August 7, 2022

    This looks great, I’m excited to try it! Just a note, though, that it isn’t quite vegan as written (eggs). Please consider adding note to your recipe so that it doesn’t confuse people trying to make something for vegan loved ones!

    Reply
    • theironsister
      September 1, 2022

      You are so right, Kody! How did I miss this? Adding a note now.

      Reply

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




  • Elara by LyraThemes
  • Made by LyraThemes.com
%d bloggers like this: