How to Make Paleo-Friendly Pizza with Sweet Potato Crust

How to Make Paleo-Friendly Pizza with Sweet Potato Crust

Eating healthy is a lifestyle choice many of us strive for, and sticking to a diet like Paleo can sometimes mean missing out on some of our favorite foods. For pizza lovers, the thought of never sinking their teeth into a delicious slice again can be daunting. But fear not, because there’s a tasty, Paleo-friendly solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health – pizza with a sweet potato crust. Yes, you heard that right! Not only is it a healthier alternative, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home. Today, I’ll guide you through creating this delightful, guilt-free version of everyone’s favorite dish.

Ingredients:

First, let’s gather what we’ll need. This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to tweak it according to your taste or dietary needs.

• For the crust:
• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 1 egg (for a vegan option, you can use a flaxseed egg)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Toppings (feel free to choose your favorites):

• 1/4 cup Paleo-friendly pizza sauce (you can easily find recipes online or purchase at health food stores)
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
• A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• Any other vegetables or Paleo-approved toppings of your choice
• Optional: shredded chicken, bacon, or any other Paleo-friendly protein

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and then grating them. You’ll want to use a food processor or a box grater to make your job easier.

3. Squeeze out the moisture from the grated sweet potatoes. This step is crucial for getting a crispy crust. You can use a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to wring out as much liquid as possible.

4. Mix the crust ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the drained sweet potatoes with the egg, almond flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a uniform dough.

5. Spread the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to flatten it into a round or rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick. The shape and size are entirely up to you, but keep in mind that a thinner crust will be crisper.

6. Bake the crust for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is firm. Halfway through baking, you might want to flip the crust over to ensure even crispiness.

7. Add the toppings. Once your crust is ready, spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce, followed by your chosen toppings. Remember, the key is not to overload the pizza – keeping the toppings light ensures the crust stays crisp.

8. Return to the oven. Bake your sweet potato crust pizza for another 5-10 minutes, just enough to warm the toppings and meld the flavors together.

9. Cool, slice, and serve. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This wait — though hard — gives the crust time to set, making it easier to handle.

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with toppings. The beauty of pizza is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of ingredients, keeping within the Paleo guidelines, of course.

• Meal prep idea. You can make the crust in advance and freeze it. Whenever you’re in the mood for pizza, just add toppings and bake. This can be a great time-saver.

• No almond flour? No problem! You can substitute coconut flour or another nut flour; just be aware that the texture might slightly change.

Conclusion:

Who says you can’t enjoy pizza on a Paleo diet? This sweet potato crust pizza is not only nutritious and satisfying but also a delicious way to indulge in a classic favorite without any guilt. Whether you’re strictly following the Paleo lifestyle or just looking for a healthier pizza alternative, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!