How to Make Paleo-Friendly Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
In the world of healthy eating and lifestyle diets, Paleo has emerged as a popular choice among many. The Paleo diet focuses on eating foods similar to what might have been eaten during the Paleolithic era — lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and fish, while avoiding processed foods and grains. This can sometimes make enjoying traditional favorites, like pizza, a bit challenging. But who says you have to give up pizza to stick to a Paleo diet? Enter the cauliflower crust pizza – a delicious, grain-free alternative that keeps your meal both fun and diet-friendly.
The Cauliflower Crust
The magic of this pizza starts with its crust. Cauliflower, a versatile and low-carb vegetable, serves as the base. Here’s how you make it:
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of almond flour
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for your crust once you’re done preparing it.
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Rice the Cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. This is your base.
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Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Transfer the riced cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for 4-5 minutes. This process softens the cauliflower and makes it easier to handle. Then, let it cool down.
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Squeeze the Moisture Out: Once cooled, place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as you can. This step is vital as it ensures your crust will be crispy rather than soggy.
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Mix the Crust Ingredients: Combine the dried cauliflower with the egg, almond flour, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until you have a dough-like consistency.
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Shape and Bake: Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and form it into your desired pizza shape. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until it turns golden and firm.
The Topping
While your crust bakes, it’s time to think about the toppings. The beauty of pizza is that you can top it with almost anything. For a Paleo-friendly version, stick to fresh vegetables, lean meats, and avoid cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you want that cheesy texture.
Common Paleo-Friendly Toppings:
- Tomato sauce (ensure it’s sugar-free to keep it Paleo)
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Chicken or turkey
- Olives
- Arugula (add after baking)
- For cheese-lovers, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative can give that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
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Prep Your Toppings: While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings, chopping any vegetables or meats you plan to use.
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Add the Toppings: Once your crust is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the crust, then add your prepared toppings.
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Bake Again: Pop your topped pizza back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the toppings are cooked to your liking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let your pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice it up and dive in. That’s it – a delicious, Paleo-friendly pizza with a cauliflower crust ready to enjoy!
Conclusion
Following the Paleo diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on pizza night. With a bit of creativity and this cauliflower crust recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, healthier version of your favorite dish. Whether you stick strictly to Paleo toppings or get a little creative, the key is to enjoy the process and the meal. Happy cooking!
