If you are looking for a healthy and delicious pizza recipe that is low in carbs and gluten-free, consider making an eggplant pizza.
This recipe uses sliced eggplant as a base instead of a traditional breaded crust, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake. It is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as it does not have meat or dairy products, making it the perfect vegetable pizza.
The eggplant is seasoned with various herbs and spices and then topped with your preferred pizza toppings. The result is a flavorful and nutritious pizza that is super easy to assemble and perfect for a quick gathering meal or a weekend treat.
Eggplant Pizza Recipe
Eggplant pizza is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional pizza. Here’s a simple recipe to make eggplant pizza.
Ingredients
- One large globe eggplant, cut into a round shape
- Salt and pepper
- Four tablespoons of olive oil
- One ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup baby mushrooms
- 8-10 tablespoons pizza sauce
- Crushed red pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Place the round eggplant on a baking sheet. Generously salt the slices and let them sit for 20 minutes to allow them to release moisture, then wipe them dry with a paper towel.
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) from your kitchen gadget. Brush the eggplant round slices with olive oil and season them with black pepper. Bake until the slices soften and turn slightly golden brown, usually taking about 30 minutes.
- Bake sliced eggplant and mushrooms separately. Toss mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake until golden brown.
- Take the eggplant slices from the oven and spoon about two tablespoons of tomato or white pizza sauce onto each one. Sprinkle mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of each eggplant slice, and then add the roasted mushrooms.
- Return the assembled eggplant pizzas to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish your eggplant pizzas with crushed red pepper for a touch of heat and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Creative Tips To Elevate Your Eggplant Pizza Experience
- Embrace Size: Seek out the grandest eggplant you can lay your hands on! Bigger eggplants make for a more impressive canvas when crafting your eggplant pizza. The larger size makes it easier to work with and enhances the overall presentation.
- Sweat the Eggplant: Pay attention to the crucial step of sweating the eggplant. Sprinkling salt on those luscious eggplant circles removes excess moisture, ensuring your pizza isn’t disappointingly soggy after its oven rendezvous.
- Less is More: While you might be tempted to go all out with toppings, remember that eggplant is a delicate canvas. Don’t overwhelm it with a mountain of toppings. Exercise restraint to maintain the structural integrity of your pizza creation.
- Personalize Your Pizza: Make this eggplant pizza uniquely yours! Customize it to suit your taste and the preferences of your family. Experiment with many toppings like diced bell peppers, succulent pineapple chunks, flavorful cooked shredded chicken, or a hint of savory ground beef. Let your culinary imagination run wild!
Wrapping Up
Crafting eggplant pizza offers a creative twist on traditional pizza while providing a healthier alternative. When preparing this dish, opting for a larger eggplant enhances ease of preparation and visual appeal.
Sweating the eggplant before baking is crucial to prevent sogginess and ensure a satisfying texture. Remember to strike a balance with toppings, as the delicate eggplant can only hold so much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any alternative cheeses I can use for eggplant pizza?
To suit your taste, you can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or cheddar. Different cheeses can add unique flavors to your pizza.
Can I make eggplant pizza without tomato sauce?
Certainly! You can use alternative sauces like pesto, alfredo, or even a drizzle of olive oil and garlic as a base for your eggplant pizza.
How can I make eggplant pizza if I don’t have an oven?
You can make eggplant pizzas on a stovetop or grill if you don’t have an oven. Heat a skillet or grill pan, add oil, and cook the eggplant slices until tender. Then, add your toppings and cover to melt the cheese.
