I Can’t Believe it’s a Vegetable, Part One
I LOVE pizza. But pizza does not love me. It is one of the unhealthy foods I miss the most. There’s nothing quite like pizza and a movie on a lazy Sunday night. While I’m all for occasional indulgence, this spin on a thin crust pizza is healthy enough to eat for dinner every night.
When I first heard of cauliflower pizza, I was skeptical. A gluten free, low carb pizza crust that contains hidden veggies sounded too good to be true. But this is the real deal. A delicious pizza alternative that doesn’t fall to pieces when you pick it up and that won’t leave you feeling bloated and lethargic. Even my brother, who doesn’t like anything I cook, asked if I would make this recipe again.
If you are struggling to get your kids to eat veggies, try this recipe out. Everyone who has tried it has been surprised to learn that it is made from cauliflower. The flavor is neutral and the perfect base for whatever delicious ingredients you choose to add.
The key to the structural integrity of this pizza dough is to get as much of the liquid out of the cauliflower as possible, so don’t be lazy with this or you may end up with mush.
This recipe does contain cheese and I have not experimented with creating a dairy free version yet, though I’m sure a quick Google search will provide an alternative.
Ingredients
Medium size head of cauliflower
1 egg
½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
Toppings and sauce of choice
Method
1. ‘Rice’ your cauliflower- you can do this by hand, with a grater, or use a food processor and pulse in small batches to create a rice-like texture.
2. Add an inch of water to a large pot and bring to the boil. Add rice and cover, steam for about 5 minutes, until soft but tender. Keep an eye on it and don’t let it get mushy.
3. Drain the cauliflower and allow it to cool slightly.
4. Transfer half the cauliflower to a clean dishtowel. Wrap it up, twist and squeeze to get all the remaining liquid out. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower. Be careful, the water released from the rice will be very hot.
5. In a large bowl, add all ingredients and use your hands to combine well.
6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Use your hands to form your pizza crust, about 1/3 inch thick.
7. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes until golden brown and firm.
8. Now to top your pizza as you like!
Idea 1: Tomato pizza sauce, prosciutto slices, fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella
Idea 2: Pesto sauce, artichokes, pine nuts and feta
Idea 3: Tomato pizza sauce, shrimp, cooked bacon, red onions, mozzarella, arugula
9. Return pizza to oven and cook until golden and bubbly.
10. Slice and serve immediately.
Tip: Double the recipe and make two pizza bases at once. Allow one to cool, wrap in foil and freeze for next time.
