Yummy Healthier Pizzas

As soon as I saw these recipes, my mouth started to salivate. It’s funny because I hated pizza until I was in grade 8 and now the instant I see pizza (mind you, I like the healthier pizzas with chicken, goat cheese and spinach), I crave it. Here are some great alternatives to pizza recipes I found on Lauren Conrad’s website. The first pizza was made by her and the second was made by Eat, Drink, Smile.

Here’s Lauren’s recipe/comments:

Whenever I get an insatiable pizza craving (and I’m trying to be good), I come up with alternative ways I can enjoy that cheesy, saucy taste sans carbs…

A few weeks ago, I attempted a carb-less version (see Exhibit A) that I kind of made up. Basically, I threw together all the veggies I could find (zucchini, broccoli, tomato, onion, mushrooms) and steamed them. Once they were tender, I mixed them with chunky tomato sauce and poured the hodgepodge of vegetables it into a baking dish. Finally, I layered sliced mozzarella cheese over the top and baked it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes (until the cheese melted). To be honest, it was pretty darn good. And it totally hit the spot! After the success of this experiment I did as any good blogger would do and took to the Internet in search of a truly carb-less pizza recipe to share with all of you. And let me tell you, I found a goldmine!

Exhibit A:

 

It may sound so wrong, but it’s just so right: Cauliflower Crust Pizza. I found the recipe on Eat, Drink, Smile and am really excited to try it. The entire crust is only 434 calories, which is just insane. Usually a single slice of pizza will cost you 400 calories alone. With this cauliflower version, one serving is just 109 calories. Crazy… Anyway, I have posted the recipe for you below. I’d love to hear what you think about it after giving it a try…

Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe courtesy of Eat, Drink, Smile.

 

Serves 2
Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed garlic
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• olive oil (optional)
• pizza sauce, shredded cheese and choice of your toppings*

Instructions
To “rice” the Cauliflower: Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don’t have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself. One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To Make the Pizza Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9″ round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.
3. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven.
5. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).

*Note: Toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.
For more tips on making this recipe, check out Eat, Drink, Smile.