Emergency Pizza: A Quick and Delicious Tortilla Hack

Sometimes, cravings strike when you’re short on time or ingredients, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a satisfying slice of pizza! 

With just a tortilla, some tomato ketchup, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, you can whip up an emergency pizza in two minutes using a microwave. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

1 tortilla (any size will do, but larger ones are best)

2-3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup

A pinch of Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil if you have them)

A handful of shredded mozzarella cheese

Method:

1. Prepare Your Base:

Place your tortilla on a microwave-safe plate. Spread a thin, even layer of tomato ketchup over the surface, stopping just before the edges to mimic a pizza crust. If the tortilla is a little dry, spread a layer of olive oil over it.

2. Season It:

Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the ketchup. This step gives your emergency pizza a more authentic pizza flavour with minimal effort.

3. Cheese It Up:

Scatter a generous handful of mozzarella cheese over the top. If you have other toppings like olives, sliced peppers, or leftover cooked meat, you can add those too!

4. Microwave Magic:

Pop the plate into the microwave and cook on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese melts fully but doesn’t overcook.

5. Cool and Enjoy:

Carefully remove the plate (it’ll be hot!) and let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing or folding it into a wrap.

Tips for Success:

If you prefer a crispier base, you can briefly toast the tortilla in a dry frying pan before adding your toppings.

For extra flavour, drizzle some olive oil or add a dash of garlic powder to the ketchup.

Experiment with whatever you have in the fridge — this recipe is a blank canvas for creativity.

Why This Works:

The tortilla provides a thin, crispy base that mimics a classic pizza crust. Ketchup, while unconventional, gives a tangy tomato flavour, and the melted mozzarella ties it all together with its gooey, cheesy goodness. The microwave ensures everything comes together in a flash, perfect for late-night cravings or a quick snack.

So next time you’re in a pinch, grab a tortilla and turn your kitchen into a pizzeria in under 5 minutes. Simple, speedy, and surprisingly satisfying — emergency pizza to the rescue!

I made this at work today and thought: "I really must share my recipe for emergency pizza!" So here it is. I'm sorry, I don't have a photograph because I ate t before I thought about writing this post. 

Top tomato brand Mutti hunts for UKs top tomato cooks!

Top Italian tomato brand, Mutti, is delighted to launch its 2023 edition of the Golden Tomato Cook Competition.

This amazing yearly culinary event is aimed at celebrating all things tomato and the exceptional quality and taste of its Italian tomato products. 

To launch the search for the UK’s best tomato cook, Mutti has revealed the fascinating results from its chef survey, shedding light on their perceptions, and preferences when it comes to tomato-based ingredients. 

The eye-opening facts challenge common beliefs about tomatoes but also highlight the importance of quality, taste, and sustainable practices in the culinary world.

Kirsty Beckman, who is the Brand Manager UK for Mutti says: “It's an exciting time of year for Mutti where we begin our yearly search for our next Golden Tomato Cook. 

"To celebrate this, we thought it was a great chance to see what chefs in the UK think about tomatoes. We've unveiled some really surprising results from the survey, including tomato myths and insightful preferences. 

"We’re now calling all tomato enthusiasts to unearth the chef within them and join Mutti's Golden Tomato Cook Competition, 2023. 

"We're calling on them to show us their creative flair and craft a spectacular three-course menu featuring our Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes, Peeled Tomatoes, Passata, and Double Concentrated Tomato Puree. 

"With esteemed judges and remarkable prizes, this is their chance to shine. Enter now at cooking competition entry page and let your passion for great food and cooking take the spotlight!"

Tomatoes are the Indispensable Ingredient

The survey uncovered the essential ingredients chefs simply can't live without, and unsurprisingly, tomatoes and/or tomato products secured the top spot at 44%. This reaffirms the integral role Mutti's tomatoes play in elevating dishes to new heights. Salt and/or Pepper, and Olive Oil came second and third respectively.

The Fruit That Masquerades as a Vegetable

Surprisingly, 55% of chefs confessed to misidentifying tomatoes as vegetables, when in fact, they are really  fruits. This stunning admission shows even amongst chefs there's still much to learn and love about the not-so-humble tomatoes.

The survey further showcased that whilst 44% of chefs acknowledged the centuries-old (over 500 years in fact) heritage of Italian tomatoes, only half of them were aware the famous San Marzano tomatoes exclusively hail from the Campania region, adding a delightful layer of historical context to the chef's staple.

Also, 51% of chefs correctly recognised the presence of lycopene in tomatoes, known for its considerable and important health benefits; a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage. This highlights the importance of not only taste but also the nutritional value of ingredients in modern culinary creations.

Tomato Quality is Key!

When it comes to tomato-based ingredients, the top three factors that matter the most to chefs are quality (42%), product size (36%), and flavour and/or great taste (35%). This indicates that Mutti's commitment to providing premium quality tomatoes is aligned with the priorities of culinary professionals, who value excellence in ingredients above all else.

The Global Tomato Perspective

Another fascinating insight revealed the top countries perceived by chefs to produce the best quality tomatoes include Italy, India, and the USA. Italy's inclusion in the top three enhances the Golden Tomato Cook Competition, as Mutti is proud to showcase the unrivalled quality of its tomato products, made using only the highest quality 100% Italian tomatoes, as well as the products’ unique flavour profile and taste.

The Conscientious Chef

The survey also delved into ethical considerations of chefs when selecting ingredients. Over half of the chefs surveyed (51%) stressed the importance of responsibly and fairly sourced ingredients, with 57% emphasising the need for ingredients from reputable and known brands. 

This aligns with Mutti's dedicated commitment to sustainable working practices including protecting the diversity and vitality of the environment to ensure long term sustainability, which Mutti continues to educate on the importance of, for longevity and the best tomato product. Mutti also focuses on long term relationships with their farmers, paying an average 10% higher than the market average to ensure mutually beneficial relationships.

But what's more, 55% of chefs agreed ingredients must be of the best quality, something Mutti has been uncompromising on for over 120 years. The fact that 54% of chefs emphasised the significance of great taste and/or flavour reaffirms one of the central focuses of the Golden Tomato Cook Competition.

The search of the UK’s Golden Tomato Cook is now on!

Mutti's 3rd Golden Tomato Cook Competition is here, paying homage to the revered Pomodorino d'oro, where Mutti rewards the farmer who supplies the highest quality produce whilst also using sustainable and responsible practices.

Mutti's cooking contest celebrates sustainable excellence and invites home cooks to craft the ultimate three-course menu with Mutti Essentials - Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes, Peeled Tomatoes, Passata, and Double Concentrated Tomato Puree.

Enter with a starter, main, and bonus dish of your choice, with each recipe highlighting a different Mutti Essential and its unique characteristics. The esteemed judging panel, which includes top chefs Carlo Casoni, Nigel Barden, Ben Tish, and Gabriella Margiotta, will assess dishes based on taste, presentation, and above all, making tomatoes the hero. 

Public vote shortlists five menus, and the final three compete in a live cook off at Sauce, by The Langham in London on 19th October 2023. The grand prize is an exclusive foodie trip to Parma, Italy,  the home of Mutti, along with mentorship from Chef Ben Tish. 2nd prize is a virtual cooking class with Mutti head chef, Carlo, and the 3rd prize is a 3-course meal for 2 at Eataly restaurants. 4th and 5th place winners will receive a produce hamper from Mutti.

Contestants have until 23:59 on 26th September 2023 to create and submit their menus online, so there is no time to lose, get creating and get your entries in. To enter, visit https://mutti-parma.com/en/golden-tomato-cook-2023-entry/ where you'll be able to discover recipe inspiration and tips too. Terms and conditions apply.

(Pictures: provided by Mutti)

https://mutti-parma.com