Inspired by the health food movement -- and the struggle of feeding a family on-the-go -- two local eateries have partnered to push the envelope on an Italian favourite, unveiling a new line of hummus-based pizzas.
Little Guys Pizza Co. launched the new Velvet Sunshine pizza Oct. 1 as part of an ongoing partnership with Zaher's Small Batch. In addition to the one hummus featured product, customers can now request Zaher's traditional hummus as a substitute for tomato sauce on any Little Guys' pizza menu item.
The pizzeria will also begin featuring a selection of the company's three-ounce premium hummus products at its Azilda storefront, as dips or stand-alone 'Snak-Pak's' featuring veggies and Little Guys' signature Doughpoppers.
As mother to the original 'little guys' -- Jacob and Jordan -- Little Guys Pizza Co. owner MJ Pappin-Lamoureux knows all too well the struggle of finding quick and healthy protein options for families rushing between school, hockey practice and playdates. The same goes for Zaher's Small Batch owner and father of two, Deke Zaher, which is what makes these local entrepreneurs so passionate about the launch of this artisanal yet affordable product.
Velvet Sunshine pizza is made using Zaher's Small Batch mango, orange, curry and habanero pepper Velvet Sunshine hummus as a base in place of a traditional tomato sauce. The granite-stone baked thin crust is then topped with ham, pineapple, bacon, bell peppers and freshly ground mozzarella cheese to create a unique flavour experience.
"I was blown away," said Zaher, when asked his first impression of the new creation. "I knew the flavour combinations would work from what I suggested, but it was exceptional pizza."
Zaher's Small Batch hummus is a vegan, nut-free, gluten-free product homemade using quality ingredients that include no preservatives such as vinegar or oils. Zaher's Small Batch traditional hummus was inspired by the owner's great grandfather, whose recipe was passed down through the generations and eventually adapted by Zaher to feature new world flavours.
Through products such as hummus-based pizza, Zaher said he hopes to expand people's understanding and usage of this one versatile product. This is being achieved through an expanding network of partnerships that includes Crosscut Distillery, Science North, Nickel Refillery, and the Sudbury Community Arena.
In addition to being the only health-conscious food on concession during Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five home games, Zaher's Small Batch is the sole provider of player's pre-game snacks. The partnership has filled a critical gap in the team's nutrition needs, said Zaher.
"If it's good enough to fuel our Wolves for three straight victories, it's good enough to fuel our Timbits players who are watching from the stands," he said.
Having recently left his teaching position at St. Francis Catholic School, Zaher said his next goal is to introduce hummus to breakfast and school nutrition programs throughout Greater Sudbury. This would utilize the company's new vacuum-sealed flavour concentrates and chickpea mixes he said, which can be combined and prepared fresh with minimal effort.
But plans for his hummus don't stop there. Having found success with partnerships in Southern Ontario, Zaher said he plans to open a location downtown Toronto within the year.
"I want to make affordable, healthy and delicious nutrition for all."
Find more information on Little Guys Pizza Co. here and Zaher's Small Batch here.
