Pizza Beans

Okay this is a weird one I admit, but I was looking for a substitute for the dough that I consume in pizza every Friday night. It's a habit I need to break. This was very good and satisfied my pizza craving without all the fat, grease and empty carbs from white flour dough. It comes from Jeff Smith, one of my favorite TV chefs from yesteryear.

PIZZA PINTO BEANS

1/2 pound pinto beans, soaked and drained overnight (you can substitute canned)
1/2 pound boneless chicken tenders, sliced thin
1 cup yellow onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup of your favorite meatless sppaghetti sauce
Three or four slices Swiss cheese
1/2 cup lowfat shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp dry oregano
Chopped basil leaves
salt and pepper

Cook the beans in 1 quart of water until tender, about an hour. Drain and pour into a cassarole dish. If using canned beans rinse off the juice and pour into the dish.

In a frying pan heat the oil and saute the onions, adding the garlic after the onions become clear.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper and oregano and add to the pan until lightly brown but not cooked through. Drain away the oil.

Layer slices of Swiss cheese across the beans and spread chicken and onion mixture on top of the cheese. Spread evenly and pour sauce over the cassarole contents.

Tear basil leaves and spread oover the cassarole before sprinkling the mozzarella on top. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Serve with a salad.

I estimate that this dish contains about 475 calories.