Cauliflower Crust Faux Pizza Recipe
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower | 1 kg |
| Rice Flour | 30 g |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | 50 g |
| Egg Whites | 2 |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
| Black Pepper | 1 pinch |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 150 g |
| Tomato Passata | 150 g |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Basil | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20 g |
| Fine Salt (for topping) | 1 pinch |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~15 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Begin by cleaning the cauliflower. Remove the main stalk and outer leaves.
- Using a knife, separate the florets and trim any large stems.
- Rinse the florets thoroughly under cold running water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Process the Cauliflower
- Place the cauliflower florets into a food processor and pulse until finely grated, resembling rice grains.
- Transfer the grated cauliflower to a mixing bowl and add the grated Grana Padano cheese and egg whites.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of fine salt, a dash of black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Mix well using a spatula until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (static) or 180°C (fan-assisted).
- Line a low-rimmed baking tray or a 32 cm diameter tart pan with parchment paper.
- Spread the cauliflower mixture evenly onto the prepared tray, pressing it down gently with the back of a spoon to create a uniform crust.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes in a static oven (or 20 minutes in a fan-assisted oven) until the edges are golden and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings
- While the crust bakes, prepare the toppings. Drain the mozzarella in a colander to remove excess moisture, then slice it thinly.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomato passata with a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
- Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and spread the seasoned tomato passata evenly across the surface using a spoon.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices over the tomato layer.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 200°C (static) or 8-10 minutes at 180°C (fan-assisted) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Enjoy this light and flavorful Cauliflower Crust Faux Pizza, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your pizza cravings while keeping it nutritious! 🌿
