Indulging in delicious food doesn't always have to mean sacrificing your health goals. The Sundried Tomato and Italian Sausage Flatbread that we'll be talking about today is the perfect example of this - with only 400 calories per 1 serving (9 oz) portion, it's a great way to treat yourself while staying on track with your diet.

This flatbread is packed with flavor, thanks to the sundried tomatoes and spicy Italian sausage. But beyond just taste, it also offers some key nutrients that are beneficial to your health. For example, the tomatoes contain lycopene - a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Meanwhile, the sausage provides a good amount of protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

In this article, we'll explore some tips on how to prepare and enjoy this flatbread, as well as some nutritional information and health benefits to keep in mind. So let's get started!

Ingredients

To make this flatbread, you'll need:

• 1 pre-baked pizza crust or flatbread (9 oz)
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 4 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

Here's how to prepare the flatbread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• If your flatbread isn't pre-baked, bake it for 5-10 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it's no longer pink. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
• Spread the sundried tomatoes over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the cooked sausage and feta cheese on top of the tomatoes.
• Sprinkle the garlic powder and red pepper flakes over the flatbread.
• Bake the flatbread for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Size

The serving size for this flatbread is 1 serving (9 oz) - the entire flatbread. It's a hearty amount and perfect for sharing, but if you prefer, you could cut it into smaller pieces to make it go further.

Calorie Count

As mentioned earlier, this flatbread contains 400 calories per serving. While this might seem high, it's important to remember that it's a complete meal in itself, with a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. So don't be afraid to indulge in it once in a while!

Macro-nutrient Breakdown

Here's a breakdown of the macro-nutrients found in this flatbread:

• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 16g

This makes for a well-balanced meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Dietary Considerations

If you're following a specific diet, you'll be happy to know that this flatbread can easily be modified to meet your needs. For example:

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread.
• Dairy-free: Leave out the feta cheese, or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with a vegetarian alternative, or leave it out altogether.

Flavor Profile

This flatbread has a bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that's sure to please. The star ingredients are the sundried tomatoes and spicy Italian sausage, which are balanced out by the tangy feta cheese and fresh parsley. If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

This flatbread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some additional sides or toppings to round out the meal. Some ideas include:

• A side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Roasted veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze for added sweetness and tang.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the flatbread in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Health Benefits

Beyond just being delicious, this flatbread also offers some key health benefits. For example, the sundried tomatoes are high in lycopene - a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Meanwhile, the sausage provides a good amount of protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied. And while feta cheese isn't the lowest-fat cheese out there, it's still a good source of calcium and other essential nutrients.