Lunch: Pizza Provençal

Recipe by Laraine Perri Upgrade pizza night by topping a loaf of Italian bread with fresh basil, rotisserie chicken, and all the best of Italian-inspired ingredients. A food processor makes quick work of the homemade sauce. Serve with artichoke–green bea

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Lemon, Basil

Health benefits of Pizza Provençal

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1/4 cup niçoise olives, pitted
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon water
1 (16-ounce) loaf Italian bread, split in half horizontally
2 cups thinly sliced roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 6 ounces)
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 °.
Combine first 7 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth. Place bottom half of bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet (reserve top half for another use). Spread olive mixture over bread. Arrange chicken over bread; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 450 ° for 10 minutes or until heated. Sprinkle with basil. Cut into 4 pieces.
Artichoke–green bean salad: Place 2 cups (2-inch) cut green beans in boiling water; cook 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain. Place beans in a small bowl. Drain 1 (6 1/2-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, reserving marinade. Thinly slice artichoke hearts; add to beans. Add reserved marinade, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to bowl; toss to coat.

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