The original recipe calls for cauliflower, egg, and cheese to form the crust. I didn’t like the idea of putting cheese in the crust, however. Then all I’m doing is replacing bread with fat, albeit fat with protein. I decided to go for the middle ground. I added two eggs instead of one and threw in some grated potato, thinking fondly of a potato crusted quiche I made a while back. I left of the cheese entirely.
I pre-baked the crust until starting to brown. My little one is still allergic to tomatoes so I used a store bought Alfredo sauce instead. (I know, I know. There is the fat added back in. This is why I have to cut back in other places!) For toppings I chose grated mushrooms, zucchini, soy ground, and cheese.
Original Recipe:
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Serves 2; Adapted from Your Lighter Side.
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 tsp garlic salt
olive oil (optional)
pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*
Directions:
To "Rice" the Cauliflower:
Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.
One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To Make the Pizza Crust:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Enjoy!
*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.
Source: http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2011/04/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html
The result: delicious! And when I say delicious, I mean stuff your face until your pants don’t fit delicious. Trust me, it is easy to be an over-weight vegetarian. ;) Yum!
My toddler wasn’t as enthusiastic, unfortunately. She ate half and then asked for a banana. It takes her a while to warm up to anything other than fruit and crackers, so I’m going to give it another shot. If not, more for me!
