Making The Best Of Home(Made)👩🏻🍳
I’m always looking for a healthier way to enjoy favorite comfort foods. Although, the perfect, carb-free, high protein, gluten free, dairy free (and, mind you, still delicious) pizza is not within my reach yet, I have a few tricks up my spatula. This is a good one too! Quinoa Crust Pizza topped with all your favorites.
During these days of “social distancing”, when we’re all home a bit more all the time, I think it’s a great time to get creative in the kitchen and focus on healthier versions of our favorite foods. This pizza takes a bit of time to prepare, but it’s great to make with your kids, husband, wife, grandkids, the dog, cat…etc. Let’s face it, right now it would be so easy to get in the take-out or delivery rut, right? Well, how about a new way to enjoy your favorite pie? Quinoa Crust Pizza is so good, and by the way, you don’t need to hold back on the garlic either!
The Cruxt Crust of The Situation
So, what does Quinoa Crust Pizza taste like? Well, I think it’s fantastic! The crust comes out crispy on the edges, but a little soft towards the center. You can pick it up to eat it, but likely best served with a fork. The added dried herbs give the quinoa such great authentic pizza flavor. So, bottom line, it’s not exactly like a pizza crust, but a great alternative that’s also gluten free and packed with quinoa protein. It works with any of your favorite pizza toppings. I made this version with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, roasted garlic, artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese. Topped with just a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Magnifico!
Social Distancing
First of all, I hope you and your families are all well and keeping that way! We are doing just fine and in for the count, whatever that may turn out to be. There’s no room around here for self pity, with so many around the world that are facing hardship. Not being able to work to pay your bills or child care is unimaginable.
I really feel so terrible for so many – All the amazing athletes that have missed so many really important moments and milestones. The events they’ve been working so hard for, for most of their lives. The potential Olympians, the teams that didn’t get to compete in March madness, the list goes on and on. The couples cancelling their weddings! All the kids not getting their senior dances, proms……all the trips they’ve earned and can’t take now. And, that’s not to mention the people who are suffering, or worse, medically or not getting attention that they need. So, although It is easy for me to laugh at my situation, I absolutely am taking this whole pandemic very seriously.
So, having said that…..I’m so bored! Okay, you know what’s funny about that? It’s just so completely psychological. In fact, if I didn’t have to stay home, it’s purely probable that I would be spending tons of energy just trying to get out of things I’ve previously committed to! Just knowing you can’t go anywhere gets ya, doesn’t it?
Quinoa Crust Pizza
Rinse 1 cup of uncooked quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cool water for about a minute until the water runs clear. Shake off as much excess liquid as possible.
Add the quinoa and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a medium sauce pot. Turn the heat to medium high and stir occasionally for 10-12 minutes. Any excess moisture will evaporate, continue to cook until the quinoa is nicely toasted.
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Bake
Quinoa Crust Pizza
Ingredients
For the Pizza Crust
- 1 cup quinoa
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups water
- 3 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried, crushed oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried, crushed basil
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Pizza Toppings of your choice!
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of uncooked quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cool water for about a minute until the water runs clear. Shake off as much excess liquid as possible.
- Add the quinoa and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a medium sauce pan.
- Turn the heat to medium high and stir occasionally for 10-12 minutes. Any excess moisture will evaporate, continue to cook until the quinoa is nicely toasted.
- Add 2 cups of water to the toasted quinoa and cover.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the quinoa cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and turn the heat to low.
- Cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, this will help dry the quinoa.
- Transfer to a large bowl and let the quinoa cool, at least 20 minutes while you prepare your toppings.
- Preheat oven to 425º Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Into a small bowl, add 3 eggs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried crushed oregano, 1 teaspoon each of dried, crushed basil leaves, fennel seeds and kosher salt.
- Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled quinoa and mix to combine.
- Bake the pizza crust for 20-25 minutes until crisp and brown around the edges and dry to the touch in the center.
- For extra crispy, continue to cook another 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add your toppings.
- (The pizza shown is topped with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese. Then topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano and a bit more grated Parmesan cheese. You can top with sauce, cheese, etc.)
- Bake another 10 minutes, until your toppings are heated through and your cheese is bubbly.
- Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy!
Karen Harris https://www.bittersaltysoursweet.com
Quinoa Pizza Crust
