Aitana Sánchez-Gijón: From ‘Velvet’ Star to Culinary Inspiration with a Healthy Spelled Pizza Recipe
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Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, one of Spain’s most celebrated actresses, has captivated audiences for decades, culminating in a Goya of Honor last year. Beyond her acclaimed roles in series like ‘Respira’ and films such as ‘Velvet,’ Sánchez-Gijón reveals a passion for mindful eating and home cooking, offering a glimpse into her lifestyle between filming commitments.
A Career Crowned with Success
Sánchez-Gijón first gained recognition in the 1980s with ‘Second Teaching,’ but it was her performance in the popular television series ‘Velvet’ that cemented her status as a beloved figure in Spanish cinema. This success was followed by roles in productions like ‘Bajarse al moro’ and ‘Un Paseo por las Nubes.’ Her dedication to her craft was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Goya of Honor, recognizing an “impeccable career” that continues to flourish in her current role in the Netflix series ‘Respira.’
Fueling Creativity Through Conscious Eating
The demands of a busy acting schedule require careful attention to well-being. According to a recent interview with Patricia Pérez, Sánchez-Gijón prioritizes a diet that provides sustained energy. “I have to be pumping gas with more awareness. Take things that give me energy and warmth to my body,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of nourishing her body during intense periods of work.
A Winter Breakfast Ritual & Daily Dietary Habits
Sánchez-Gijón’s approach to food is seasonal and intuitive. During the winter months, she favors a breakfast of “an apple compote and pear with hemp seeds, chia, pumpkin… whatever you have,” followed by rye and walnut toast with almond milk and soluble cereals. She notes a preference for enjoying fruit during the summer months. Lunch typically consists of “a meat or a baked fish with salad,” providing a balanced and nutritious midday meal.
Dinner: A Family Affair & Spelled Pizza Inspiration
Dinner is where Sánchez-Gijón’s culinary creativity shines, often involving her daughter in the process. She frequently prepares dishes centered around spelled pasta, including a unique take on pizza. “I make a spelled pasta or something that my daughter loves, we make a spelled pizza and we put vegetables on it, not tomatoes,” she clarified, highlighting her preference for vegetable-rich, tomato-free pizzas.
Recreate Aitana Sánchez-Gijón’s Healthy Spelled Pizza
Inspired by the actress’s recipe, here’s how to prepare a simple and healthy spelled pizza:
Spelled Pizza with Cottage Cheese, Chicken, Peppers, and Arugula
For 1 pizza:
- 200 grams of 100% whole wheat spelled flour
- 15 grams of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 125 milliliters of warm water
- 12 grams of fresh baker’s yeast or 4 grams of dry baker’s yeast
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Cottage cheese
- Red pepper
- A chicken breast
- Arugula
- Oregano
- Basil
Instructions:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add to a bowl with the oil, flour, and salt. Mix well with your hands, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 7-8 minutes.
- Place the dough in a bowl, cover with film, and let it rest for an hour in a warm place.
- Stretch the dough to your desired shape and place it on an oven tray.
- Spread a base of cottage cheese, then add sliced red pepper and pieces of chicken.
- Season with basil and oregano and bake at 180ºC (356ºF) for 15 minutes.
- Top with arugula before serving.
This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pizzas, aligning with Sánchez-Gijón’s commitment to mindful eating and a balanced lifestyle.
