Vegan AIP Pizza Recipe

Creating a delicious Vegan AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) pizza with a cauliflower crust is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, gluten-free meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients to make a flavorful pizza that is both satisfying and compliant with AIP guidelines.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Crust:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups riced)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (ensure it’s AIP-compliant, without additives)
• 1 cup assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, oregano, thyme)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rice the Cauliflower: Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Cut it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Steam the Cauliflower: Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and steam for about 5 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly.
4. Squeeze Out Moisture: Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible; this step is crucial for a crispy crust.
5. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, ground flaxseed, coconut flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add water gradually until the mixture holds together but is not too wet.
6. Form the Crust: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower mixture onto the parchment in a circular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and firm.

Step 2: Add Toppings

1. Spread Sauce: Remove the crust from the oven and spread an even layer of tomato sauce over it.
2. Add Vegetables: Arrange your choice of vegetables on top of the sauce.
3. Season: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the vegetables and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 3: Final Bake

1. Bake Again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly roasted.
2. Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your Vegan AIP pizza warm!

Tips for Customization

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination.
• Vegetable Choices: Use seasonal vegetables for freshness and variety.
• Add Protein: Consider adding AIP-compliant protein sources like shredded chicken or turkey if desired.

Creative Toppings for Vegan AIP Pizza

When it comes to vegan AIP pizza, the toppings can make or break the dish. Here are some creative options that align with AIP guidelines:

• Roasted Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty texture.
• Herbed Avocado: Add slices of avocado seasoned with lime juice and salt for creaminess.
• Olives and Artichokes: These add a briny flavor that complements the crust well.
• Fresh Greens: Top your pizza with arugula or baby spinach after baking for a fresh touch.
• AIP Pesto: Use a nut-free basil pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a flavorful alternative to cheese.
• Cranberry Sauce: For a sweet twist, try a homemade cranberry sauce mixed with herbs as a topping.

Making a Crispy and Flavorful Cauliflower Crust

To achieve a crispy and flavorful cauliflower crust, follow these tips:

1. Squeeze Out Moisture: After steaming the riced cauliflower, ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel. This is crucial for achieving crispiness.
2. Use Binding Agents: Incorporate ingredients like ground flaxseed or arrowroot flour to help bind the crust while maintaining its structure.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust: Pre-baking the crust at a high temperature (around 425°F) for about 20 minutes will help it firm up before adding toppings.
4. Season Generously: Add herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano to enhance flavor.

Herbs That Pair Well with Vegan AIP Pizza

Certain herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your vegan AIP pizza:

• Basil: Fresh or dried basil adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Oregano: This herb complements tomato-based sauces and roasted vegetables beautifully.
• Thyme: Its earthy notes work well with roasted toppings.
• Rosemary: Use sparingly; it adds a fragrant touch that pairs nicely with savory ingredients.

Vegan Alternatives to Traditional Pizza Sauce

If you’re looking to avoid traditional tomato sauce, consider these vegan alternatives:

• Pumpkin Puree Sauce: Blend pumpkin puree with garlic, onion, and herbs for a creamy base.
• Carrot-Based Sauce: Cook carrots with onion and garlic, then blend until smooth for a naturally sweet sauce[3].
• Avocado Sauce: Puree ripe avocados with lime juice and cilantro for a fresh, creamy topping.
• Nut-Free Pesto: Blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nutritional yeast (if tolerated) for a vibrant sauce alternative[3][5].

Using a Dehydrator for Vegan AIP Pizza Crusts

Yes, you can use a dehydrator to make vegan AIP pizza crusts! Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Dough: Follow your preferred recipe for cauliflower or plantain-based crusts.
2. Shape the Crusts: Spread the dough onto dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper to form your desired pizza shape.
3. Dehydrate: Set the dehydrator to around 115°F (46°C) and dehydrate for several hours until the crust is firm and slightly crispy.
4. Final Bake (Optional): For extra crispness, you can finish the crust in an oven at a higher temperature after dehydrating[4][5].

This Vegan AIP pizza is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from wholesome ingredients! Enjoy your culinary adventure!