Cauliflower pizza

Cauliflower pizza

Makes 4 pizzas


Chris Bavin – co-presenter of Best Home Cook and author of Fakeaway: Healthy Home-Cooked Takeaway Meals – gives us this post-ride treat with a nutrient-dense almond and cauliflower base, veggie toppings and 39g of muscle-repairing protein.

Ingredients

  • 800g/1.76lb Cauliflower
  • 150g/5.3oz almonds, ground
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato puree
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • a few mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 courgette
  • half red onion, thinly sliced
  • 250g/8.8oz mozzarella balls
  • 4 slices Parma ham
  • handful fresh basil
  • 50g/1.8oz parmesan, finely grated
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Method

  • Step 1

    Cut the cauliflower into quarters. Place two quarters in a food processor; blitz until finely chopped. Put in a heatproof bowl and repeat with the other quarters.

  • Step 2

    Cover the bowl with clingfilm and microwave on high for 6 mins. Leave to stand for 5 mins, before tipping onto a clean tea towel to cool.

  • Step 3

    Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/Gas Mark 5).

  • Step 4

    Tip it back into the bowl and stir in the almonds, eggs, parsley and Parmesan. Season well and mix together.

  • Step 5

    Spoon the cauliflower mix into four piles on a lined baking tray. Spread each one out to create a 12-15cm circle. Bake for 16-18 mins, until crispy around the edge.

  • Step 6

    Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Turn the oven up to 220°C (200°C fan/Gas Mark 7).

  • Step 7

    Season the tomato purée, then spread over the pizza bases. Place a few slices of tomato and mushroom on top. Use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons of courgette, and place those on top with the sliced red onion. Tear and distribute the mozzarella.

  • Step 8

    Bake for 12 mins, then remove and top with the Parma ham and fresh basil.