Quinoa Crust Pizza

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 9 hr 10 min (includes overnight sit time)
  • Active: 25 min
Quinoa makes for a chewy crust reminiscent of pizza dough but with an extra earthiness. You can prepare the crust ahead of time, then top and bake just before serving.
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Ingredients

Crust:

2 cups white quinoa

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

One 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings:

1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

2 ounces sliced pepperoni

1/4 cup large fresh basil leaves

Directions

  1. For the crust: Put the quinoa in a medium bowl and cover with water by about 1 inch. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
  2. For the sauce: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and cook until the edges are light golden, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup water and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside while you make the crust.
  3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F with a pizza stone or baking sheet on the bottom rack. Drain the soaked quinoa and rinse well. Line a rimmed half-sheet pan with parchment paper and brush the paper with olive oil. Put the quinoa in a food processor with the oil, baking powder, salt and 2/3 cup water and process to make a smooth, thick batter. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake on the hot pizza stone until set, 12 to 15 minutes.
  4. Flip the crust over in the pan and remove the parchment. (If the crust sticks to the sides, run a knife around the edge to loosen.) Bake until the top is crusty and the edges are crisp, about 5 minutes more.
  5. Spread the pizza sauce on the crust, almost to the edges. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan and top with the pepperoni. Roughly tear the basil leaves and scatter over the top. Bake the pizza on the top rack until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. 

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Juju21

I have mixed thoughts on this. Bottom line, it tastes exactly like white quinoa (go figure, right?). While I happen to be a fan of quinoa, it was a little overpowering a flavor for pizza, as I always add Italian seasoning (copious amounts) and garlic to my crusts to flavor and this one somehow hid all that flavor. Texture was nice and my family with mixed dietary needs (including one who can eat whatever) enjoyed overall. Just not sure even with the ease to make it that I'd go right to it again.

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