Dr. Larissa's Recipe of the Month : Pizza Beans

One of my new year resolutions this year is to eat more fibre. Yes, fibre really is that IT girl of 2026 - for good reason. Fibre is essential for keeping you regular, but it also helps to decrease inflammation in the gut, keep you full, and decreases your risk of colon cancer.

The amount of fibre needed for adults it recommended to be

25g a day for women

38g a day for men.

I created this recipe, which I've affectionately named "pizza beans".

It's not a complicated recipe per say, and a really good way to use things up from the fridge. I'll give you the general guidelines here - but feel free to have fun with it!

I've never done any food photography, but I've added this here from when I made it last week!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried white beans

• 1 onion (you can also add other mirepoix produce here like diced carrots and celery)

• Garlic - as much as you like : I usually do 2-3 cloves

• Tomato sauce/ product : 2 cups of tomato sauce, passata, or blended diced tomatoes in a can. If I have fresh ones I'll pop them in too.

• Italian seasoning - about a 1/2 tsp - but I measure herbs with my heart.

• Mozzarella (1 ball or 1,5 cups shredded)

• Always needed pantry staples : olive/ cooking oil, Salt and pepper to taste.

  
  

  Optional Ingredients:

• pepperoni slices, for topping

• Fresh basil, for serving

• Crusty bread, or GF bread for serving

  
  

Directions:

1. Soak your beans for 6-8 hours or overnight, and then cook until tender with your favourite method: stovetop, slow cooker etc. You can also use rinsed canned beans.

2. Dice your veggies, and sautee in about 1-2 TBSP olive oil until translucent - about 10 minutes ; then add your garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Stir in your tomato sauce, beans, and your herbs. Bring this up to a simmer to warm everything through.

4. Slice up your mozza ball and add to the top of beans, or top with the shredded cheese. If using pepperoni, or some other fun pizza toppings , add those to the top the mozzarella.

5. Broil or bake in the oven until the cheese is ooey, gooey, and melted.

6. Top with your fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Let me know if you try this recipe, and how you enjoy it in the comments!

Dr. Larissa