HOLISTIC CHEF EDDIE'S TIP OF THE DAY #63

Today I'm featuring ​VEGAN CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST.  The use of Cauliflower has become the rage these days with pastas, pizzas, breads, crackers, etc. replacing grains.  It's gotten so big that you can't miss the abundance of products when you're shopping at the supermarket.  I know I featured a Cauliflower Pizza Crust in Tip #20 with the use of eggs and cheese in the crust.  I have been asked by Vegans to post a Vegan friendly crust as well.  The Chia and Flax Seeds in this recipe act as a binder like eggs.  The Hemp, Chia and Flax Seeds add a lot of protein to the recipe.  The Cauliflower is loaded with Vitamins C, B6 and K and high in fiber.  It's a great alternative to the grain alternative and is very low in carbs.  Check it out.  There is a lot to be said about using Cauliflower along with being delicious.  You won't be able to tell the difference.  

      VEGAN CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST

4 Packages Riced Cauliflower (use 2-3 with a small pizza pan)
1/4 cup Ground Hemp Seeds
1/8 cup Coconut Flour
3 Tablespoons Chia Seeds, soaked 1/2 hour in 7 Tablespoons of Water
3 Tablespoons Ground Flax Seeds (brown or golden)
2 cloves Garlic, minced fine
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
1/4 cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese alternative (optional)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray

1)  ​ Pour the Riced Cauliflower into a large pot and cover it just barely with water.  Cook the Cauliflower until tender bringing it up to a boil and then lowering the heat to simmer.  Cook approximately 20 minutes until soft.  This is the dough for your crust.
2)   Drain the Cauliflower into a colander lined with cheesecloth.  Rinse the Cauliflower until it is cool while it is in the colander.  Gather up the sides of the cheesecloth and twist the top making sure none of the cauliflower falls out.
3)  Squeeze out as much liquid as you possibly can until the Cauliflower is pretty dry,  Place the dry Cauliflower into a large bowl and discard the cheesecloth.  Add the Chia Seeds.  Mix the Flax Seeds and Hemp Seeds and add slowly to the Chia and Cauliflower until you achieve a dough-like consistency.  
4)  Add the Garlic, Salt, Pepper and the dried Oregano.  At this point, you can add Vegan Parmesan Cheese and kneed it into the dough.  The Cheese Alternative gives the crust another layer of flavor.  If the dough is crumbly, add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil to it.
5)  Line a large perforated round metal pizza pan (preferred) or any pan you use for pizza.  The holes in the round pan help to brown the bottom of the crust.  Spray the pan with Olive Spray and line it or a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Lightly spray the top of the paper and working with the dough, form a circle leaving at least 1/4 - 1/2 inch around the edge of the pan.  Make sure the crust is pressed evenly with no high or low spots.
6)  Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven and flip the crust over, throwing away the parchment paper.  Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown on both sides.  Let cool then top the crust with your favorite toppings.  Enjoy!!