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While shopping for munchies, I noticed the Pizza Al Pollo Asado at Trader Joe’s. This Mexican-inspired pizza is made on a corn masa crust and is layered with grilled chicken, refried beans, jack cheese and salsa. I honestly had not noticed it before and according to the packaging, it is made with no gluten ingredients, so I gave it a shot.
This is a single-serve pizza that is a cross between a traditional pizza and a Navajo taco. When I lived in Flagstaff, Arizona I noshed on incredible Navajo tacos weekly. A Navajo taco is basically an open-faced taco on a fried, raised, corn tortilla. They are usually layered with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream and this pizza brought me back to the memory of enjoying one back in my college days.
This pizza can either be prepared in the microwave, or the oven, so I chose to cook it in my toaster oven. This pizza has a good amount of chicken, a thick layer of cheese and a nice bottom layer of beans. The crust is soft, but the bottom toasts up nicely, so it is easy to pick up and eat. The next time I prepare it, I will definitely cook it longer to get the crust to firm up even more. There are generous amount of cheese and chicken, but all I noticed of the salsa was the hot peppers.
The price is right on this frozen pizza and I think it works well for lunch, cut into small piece for an appetizer, or as an after school snack. The pizza would taste great topped with fresh salsa, or avocado. It is rather high in fat, but it is also loaded with fiber and protein, so having one every once in a while shouldn’t add significantly to your waistline.
Pick one up the next time you are at Trader Joe’s and let me know what you think.
Author Information: Jennifer D. Harris, Atlanta, GA
Jennifer D. Harris, http://www.jenniferglutenfreeingeorgia.blogspot.com
Gluten-Free Product Specialist, Return to Eden
Program Chair, Atlanta Metro CeliacsTwitter@jenniferGFinGA
