An Unforgettable Quinoa Pizza Crust Recipe
Welcome to my recipe for quinoa pizza crust! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am passionate about creating healthy and delicious recipes that are friendly to a wide range of dietary restrictions. For those of you searching for a tasty gluten-free and dairy-free pizza crust recipe, look no further! This quinoa pizza crust is not only nutritious, but it packs a flavorful punch that will make your ordinary pizza night extraordinary.
But why quinoa, you may ask? Quinoa is a versatile superfood that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also naturally gluten-free, making it the perfect ingredient for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. By using quinoa as the base for our pizza crust, we can create a crispy texture and satisfying flavor without relying on processed white flour or added preservatives.
In this recipe article, I will provide a step-by-step guide to making your own quinoa pizza crust. From the ingredient list to tips for perfect results, I will guide you through the process so that you can enjoy a delicious homemade pizza night without any worries about dietary restrictions. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a healthier version of pizza, then look no further than this gluten-free quinoa pizza crust recipe. Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein and other essential nutrients which makes it an excellent gluten-free option.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make, delicious and healthy. The crust comes out thin, crispy and perfectly golden brown. The garlic powder and salt added to the recipe complement the quinoa’s nutty flavor, and the result is a satisfyingly savory crust that tastes fantastic on its own or with any toppings you desire.
Another great feature of this crust recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a cheesy garlic bread or stuff it like a calzone or roll it up like a sandwich wrap. The possibilities are endless! Plus, you have the flexibility to swap out toppings according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
In addition, this recipe is entirely dairy-free and vegan-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan or looking for something that’s low in fat content.
One more thing that adds to this crust’s appeal is that quinoa is easy to digest due to lack of gluten, reducing inflammation in the gut and increasing overall digestion health.
All in all, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza crusts without sacrificing taste, texture or nutrition then this gluten-free quinoa pizza crust recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list of this delicious and healthy Quinoa Pizza Crust! You’ll need the following:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
Note that it’s important to use uncooked quinoa and that you’ll need to soak it in advance. Soaking helps to remove any bitterness and make the quinoa more digestible, so remember to factor in the soaking time in your preparation.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know the benefits of including quinoa in our diet and understand why this Quinoa Pizza Crust Recipe is an excellent option for a gluten-free alternative, let’s get started with the how-to!
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (soaked for at least 8 hours)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked quinoa thoroughly and place it in a food processor.
- Add water, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and puree until the mixture’s consistency is smooth. It should not have any lumps.
- Line a pan with parchment paper, pour the crust mixture, then spread and shape it to approximately â…› inch thickness. A thin crust will result in a crispy crust pizza.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for around 15 -20 minutes.
- After the crust is done baking, add your desired toppings like tomato sauce or pesto, veggies like olives, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers or cheese.
- To finish up, bake for another ten to fifteen minutes until the toppings are cooked.
This recipe is easy to customize depending on the spices and seasoning you prefer. You can create a vegan pizza crust by using olive oil instead of cheese or opt for dairy-free toppings like stuffed cabbage bites. You could even experiment with toppings like pesto or use quinoa flour for other recipes such as protein pizza or flatbread recipes.
Do enjoy your homemade healthy pizza crust made of quinoa!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking and baking, I believe that experimentation is key. After all, that’s how new and exciting recipes are born! So, here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this quinoa pizza crust recipe to make it your own.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of garlic powder or onion powder, feel free to omit them from the recipe. Alternatively, you can swap them for other seasonings that you enjoy, such as dried oregano or basil.
If you prefer a thinner and crispier crust, try reducing the amount of water in the recipe slightly. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker and chewier crust, add more water to the mix.
For those who want an even healthier option or are allergic to quinoa, try substituting the quinoa flour with oat flour instead. It will give your crust a slightly different flavor but still keep it gluten-free.
You can get creative with your toppings too! Instead of the traditional tomato sauce and cheese combination, try using pesto as the base and topping it with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms and onions.
Lastly, for those who prefer a vegan or dairy-free option, omit the cheese altogether and opt for veggie toppings like spinach leaves and mushrooms. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and deliciousness without any animal products!
Remember: cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and make this recipe your own.
Serving and Pairing
After baking this delicious Quinoa Pizza crust, it can be served hot and crispy as a perfect base for gluten-free and dairy-free pizza. You can top it with your favorite vegetables, fruits, cheese, and meats to create countless pizza varieties. I love using it as the base of Vegan Pesto Pizza, Quinoa Flatbread Pizza, or even a Protein Pizza, which packs quite the power punch.
Pair this Quinoa Grain crust pizza with a light Arugula Salad or a plate of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls to make for an incredible and satisfying meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it alongside some Cheesy Garlic Bread, which will complement the thin crispy crust perfectly.
You can also cut the pizza into bite-sized pieces to make for great party appetizers! No matter how you serve it, the gluten-free Quinoa Pizza Crust is a healthy choice that is perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you someone who likes to prepare ahead of time or have leftovers for the next day? This gluten-free quinoa pizza crust is perfect for that because it can be made in advance and stored easily.
To make ahead of time, prepare the crust as instructed and then let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept this way in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to store it longer, then you can also freeze it for up to a month. Simply wrap each individual crust tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to reheat, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then when you want to use it, preheat your oven to 425°F and place the crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add your desired toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted or the toppings are heated through.
This versatile crust can also be used as a base for other dishes too such as quinoa flatbread pizza, stuffed cabbage, or even pizza bites! And if you’re feeling creative, try using different spices in your crust like onion powder or swapping out some of the quinoa flour for oat flour to create different flavors and textures.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I have tried and tested different recipes for years. With that said, here are some essential tips to help you create a perfect gluten-free quinoa pizza crust recipe.
Firstly, it is important to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before use. The purpose behind this is to get rid of the bitter taste and saponins, which may cause digestive issues. Hence and four cups of water, wash and rinse them well using a fine mesh strainer.
Secondly, ensure that your quinoa is soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight to help break down the enzyme inhibitors. This step aids in digestion and absorption of important nutrients present in the grain-like seed.
Thirdly, use a high-speed blender or food processor to create a batter-like consistency from the soaked quinoa. At first, you can blend one cup of water with the rinsed quinoa until it’s smooth. Then slowly add another three cups of water to make a perfect thin mixture.
Fourthly, adding your desired seasoning such as garlic powder, onion powder will enhance the flavor. Furthermore, I recommend using sea salt due to its mineral content that many other types of salts lack! By adding salt in the quinoa mixture at the beginning will aid becoming crispy during baking stages.
Fifthly when pre-baking crust, try adding olive oil on top for that extra yummy crust as an optional step.
Lastly, keep an eye on this wonderfully different base to ensure it cooks evenly. Too much moisture could lead to a soggy base that’s why two helpful tips are preheating your oven for twenty minutes before putting your crust on top or baking it halfway before applying sauces toppings.
In conclusion, these tips will help you achieve fantastic results. Always stay creative while preparing your quinoa crust pizza by adapting variations and substitutions mentioned earlier in this article to find which recipe fits best with your taste buds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this homemade quinoa pizza crust recipe is a delicious and healthy substitute for traditional pizza crusts. Not only is it gluten-free, but also dairy-free and vegan-friendly. It’s wonderful to indulge in a delicious meal without sacrificing your diet plan.
This crust is incredibly easy to customize, versatile in pairing with different toppings and dips, and stores well for later use. You can experiment with the recipe by adding your variation of herbs or spices to make it tastier.
So, the next time you’re seeking something new and exciting for your pizza night, try out this crust recipe and relish your pizza bites with a healthier twist. It’s a great way to boost your protein intake and make sure you stay on track with your health goals. Trust me when I say; it’ll be an instant hit at any gathering or family dinner.
So go ahead, let’s get baking this wholesome quinoa pizza crust recipe – far better than any store-bought frozen options! Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade protein pizza with crispy quinoa flour – a guilty pleasure that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
Quinoa Pizza Crust (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- grapeseed oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450.
- Brush 12" cast iron skillet liberally with grapeseed oil & put in oven to heat.
- Soak quinoa in water for 8 hours.
- Drain & rinse thoroughly.
- Add quinoa, water & seasonings in a blender.
- Blend until it resembles a thick pancake batter.
- Once the oven is heated to temperature, pour the batter into the skillet and quickly spread it out evenly across the bottom.
- Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the underside is well-browned and starting to crisp.
- Use a large spatula and carefully flip the crust.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add your toppings & cook for 5-7 minutes longer.