Crystal's Cauliflower-Crust Pizza!!

Introducing the new "it" vegetable - CAULIFLOWER!! 

Cauliflower is a shockingly versatile vegetable and can disguise itself in many ways, including pizza crust? This was also news to me as I stumbled upon the food blog www.detoxinista.com looking for a cauliflower puree recipe.....

You're probably thinking exactly what my mother said when I was very excited to tell her about my newest creation - "Eww...you made WHAT kind of pizza crust? Oh Crystal.....that's weird!"

It may not be what most people think of making on a Friday night after a long week of work, but it was definitely worth it in the end.

This type of pizza crust is a big hit with the "Paleo Diet" community and those following a gluten free, grain free or any lower-carb lifestyle. 

Compared to the white flour alternative, this is definitely worth a try!!

Here is what you'll need to make your first cauliflower pizza crust:
Inspired by:


http://detoxinista.com/2012/01/the-secret-to-perfect-cauliflower-pizza-crust/

1 large head of cauliflower
1/3 c. light ricotta or goat cheese
2 triangles laughing cow cheese **optional
1 egg
pinch salt
1 tsp italian or greek seasoning

 

Step 1 - Pre-heat your oven to 400 F and get chopping!

 

 

Step 2 - Wash & chop cauliflower. Place in a food processor until it forms a 'rice-like' consistency forms.

 

 

Step 3 - Boil an inch of water in a large pot. Cook cauliflower (covered) for 4-5 minutes

 

Step 4 - Drain your cauliflower in a fine mesh strainer or this "Jelly Bag"....I found this at Canadian Tire: http://www.bernardin.ca/pages/product_page/47.php?pid=67

 

the trick here is to let the cauliflower cool a bit as it will be VERY HOT...the most important step here is to SQUEEZE out as much liquid as possible from the boiled cauliflower.

 

 

Step 5 - Mix the cheese, egg and seasonings together with the cauliflower. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Form the cauliflower mixture into a square (or circular) crust.

 

 

Step 6 -  Bake the cauliflower pizza crust at 400 F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown

 

 

Step 7 - Load your pizza with toppings!

   I had pre-roasted some brussel sprouts (again, suprisingly delicious!). We also used extra lean ground turkey breast cooked with spicy salsa, sun-dried tomatoes, peppers and bit of a parmesan cheese sprinkle.

   I challenge you to try it!!!! You may never go back.......