Rustic Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Cauliflower is a great veggie. Its actually not too, too high in many vitamins and minerals but it does contain some, and that all important fiber! That's why I thought this whole idea of cauliflower pizza crust I've been seeing was a great idea; though it doesn't have all the nutrient density of some other veggies, it would still be a worthy replacement for pizza dough. I tried to doctor up this recipe a little bit, and the results were unbelievable. They actually surpassed my expectations. Guys, you have simply GOT to try this! Its a little more time consuming than just buying pre-made regular dough, of course, but not so much so that it isn't worth it! The crust is unreal, and putting a bunch of awesome toppings on is simply the icing on the cake...or...the topping on the pizza I guess. But all in all make this! You will not regret it, I promise!

more pics..because this was just that good.

Rustic Cauliflower Crust Pizza

For the Cauliflower Crust:

1/2  Large head of cauliflower

2 cloves of garlic

2 eggs

3/4 cup finely grated cheese (i used 3 cheese blend (romano, asiago, parmasan) but whatever you'd like would work)

1/4 Cup cornmeal

1/4 Cup marinara sauce

1/4 Tsp each: dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional..but I love the spice!)

salt

pepper

Toppings (optional, but here's what I used and highly recommend)

-a light coating of marinara sauce

-chopped, fresh baby spinach leaves

-fresh mozzerella 

-caramelized onions

-slow roasted grape tomatoes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Grate or rice the cauliflower so that it is grated into very fine pieces. Place in a microwave-safe bowl. 

3. Mince up the 2 cloves of garlic and add to the cauliflower. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and thoroughly mix. Put this mixture in the microwave for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. After removing the cauliflower it should be quite soft. Allow it to cool for a few minutes then add in the spices, marinara, cornmeal and cheese and mix through. 

5. Once this mixture is relatively cool, add in the eggs and make sure everything is thoroughly incorporated. The mixture should be pretty mushy, but should smell delicious! 

6. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Pour the cauliflower dough onto the cookie sheet and press it in so that it is evenly spread out to around 1/3- 1/4 of an inch thick. 

7. Bake the dough for around an hour or so, or until the edges start to brown and the dough hardens up a little bit. Once this happens, remove from the oven and place your toppings on. 

8. Put the pizza back in the oven until the toppings are melted/ cooked through- 10 to 15 minutes. 

9. Remove the pizza, allow it to cool and enjoy!

Health Benefits!!
Cauliflower- Cauliflower is low calorie, and high fiber. It also contains glucosinolates, which activate the body's detoxification process. Cauliflower is also surprisingly high in potassium, and 1 cup of raw cauliflower contains almost as much vitamin C as an orange.
Garlic-Contains allicin, an incredibly medicinal component, especially in raw garlic (like in this recipe!) Allicin can help prevent high blood pressure, aid in digestion, aid in inflammation reduction, help prevent and cure cold, and much much more!
Spinach- High in vitamin A (for eyesight), high in potassium, high in vitamin K (for bone health) and great source of iron
Onion- strong antimicrobial benefits, contains sulfides lowering blood lipids and blood cholesterol, contain flavanoids which are known to help protect against cardiovascular disease, high sulfur content for anticlotting agent.
Grape Tomatoes- High in folate, vitamin C and vitamin A, and potassium. They are high in antioxidants and have also been shown to help prevent certain types of cancers when a few servings are eaten per day.



Sources
http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/onions.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/410151-the-health-benefits-of-cauliflower/

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-spinach.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-garlic.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/232266-nutrition-information-on-grape-tomatoes/