Soaked Quinoa Pizza Crust Recipe

Today's post is written by fellow real-food lover, Lauren, from Blue Feather Spirit. I absolutely LOVE this Quinoa Pizza Crust Recipe that she's sharing today from her new Ebook Blue Feather Food. I know all you Modern Hippies will love it too!

I’ve always loved pizza but have not always been in love with the effects of eating it. What I’m really referring to is the usual white flour (processed wheat) and yeast combo, which for me, has been the trigger for digestive and skin issues. Thanks to the super grain, quinoa, I’m now able to enjoy pizza or flatbread, as I love to call it, and actually feel that my body is thanking me for eating it. Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contain nine essential amino acids. This means it’s an incredible source of protein, especially for vegans or vegetarians. Technically it's actually a seed which is prepared similarly to a grain. In this recipe we soak the quinoa overnight, or for about 8-12 hours, which is extremely beneficial because it eliminates any enzyme inhibitors that naturally occur within grains, thereby making them easier to digest. So this pizza is actually kind on your tummy and shouldn’t leave you with that bloated feeling that usually comes from eating processed wheat. Nutritionally speaking, quinoa is very high in magnesium, manganese, B-vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, copper and various beneficial antioxidants, so it packs a powerful nutritional punch. It’s also gluten-free and high in fibre, one of the reasons it tends to be easier on the digestive system. My favourite part about making this flatbread is choosing the toppings! Feel free to use whatever inspires you or is growing in your vegetable garden. I love to use zucchini slices, brown mushrooms, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and whatever fresh salad greens I have on hand such as baby kale or arugula. You can also top with slices of avocado or crumbled goats cheese and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

How to Make Soaked Quinoa Pizza Crust

Ingredients 1 cup quinoa, soaked for at least 8 hours 1 tsp baking powder (aluminium-free) 1 tbsp mixed Italian herbs 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 1/2 tsp pink salt 2-3 tbsp tomato paste or pesto Toppings such as baby kale leaves/arugula/zucchini/mushrooms/black olives/sun-dried tomatoes/avocado/goats cheese Method

1. Soak the quinoa in plenty of water to allow for it to expand overnight (about 8-12 hours).
2. Preheat the oven to about 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
3. Rinse the quinoa well and place in a high powered blender or food processor with the baking powder, herbs, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
4. Blend or process until smooth. If you're using a Vitamix you will need to use the tamper to aid in the mixing, and keep in mind the blender will be working quite hard. If you’re using a food processor you will need to scrape down the sides. You may need to add a touch of water but try not to dilute it too much.
5. Pour the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread evenly into a large oval or round shape about 1/4 inch think.
6. Bake for 20 minutes and then turn the flatbread over and bake on the other side for about 10 minutes or until slightly brown and crispy.
7. Remove from the oven and spread with tomato paste or pesto and whatever toppings you would like cooked.
8. Place back in the oven for about 10 minutes.
9. Remove and cover with the rest of your fresh ingredients such as avocado, kale, or arugula.
10. Sprinkle with pink salt and rainbow pepper.
11. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe!

About Lauren

Lauren is passionate about food and its potential for healing. She loves spending time in the kitchen playing with recipes and transforming simple ingredients into nourishing and mouth-watering meals. Alongside the free recipes on her blog, she’s created the Blue Feather Food Ebook, a collection of 10 vegan or vegetarian recipes, which are all free of gluten, processed sugar and other unnecessary additives. The Ebook is available for sale in the Boutique on her website www.bluefeatherspirit.com. Lauren is also a Certified Transformational Coach offering one-on-one sessions and programs designed to support you in creating your most inspired, authentic and meaningful life. Read more about her working with her HERE!