Vegetable pizzas based on cauliflower a healthy alternative

Cauliflower pizza is a fantastic healthy alternative to traditional pizza, and it's quite versatile! Here’s a simple recipe for a cauliflower crust pizza along with some vegetable topping ideas:

Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2–3 cups riced)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your choice of herbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Rice the Cauliflower: Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower, then cut it into florets. Use a food processor to pulse the cauliflower until it resembles rice (or you can grate it using a box grater).

3. Cook the Cauliflower: Transfer the riced cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it and microwave for about 5-7 minutes, until soft. Let it cool slightly.

4. Make the Dough: Once cooled, place the cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. In a mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

5. Form the Crust: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a pizza crust about 1/4 inch thick. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Vegetable Toppings Ideas

Feel free to customize your pizza with your favorite vegetables! Here are some tasty options:

1. Classic Margherita:

   • Tomato sauce
   • Fresh mozzarella slices
   • Sliced tomatoes
   • Fresh basil leaves
   • Drizzle of olive oil

2. Mediterranean Delight:

   • Hummus or tzatziki as the base
   • Sliced bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes
   • Kalamata olives
   • Feta cheese
   • Sprinkle of oregano

3. Veggie Supreme:

   • Tomato sauce
   • Spinach
   • Mushrooms
   • Zucchini
   • Red onions
   • Bell peppers
   • Shredded mozzarella cheese

4. Pesto Veggie:

   • Pesto sauce as the base
   • Artichoke hearts
   • Sun-dried tomatoes
   • Spinach
   • Grated Parmesan cheese

Final Steps

1. After the crust is baked, add your desired toppings, and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Slice and serve hot!

Enjoy your healthy cauliflower pizza! You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.