I am so excited to be bringing you this recipe! Yes.. I've been MIA from my blog for almost a year! I really am sorry about that but instead of delving into my extremely long and unnecessary reasoning, why don't we just pretend like it never happened and get straight into this newest recipe I have for ya'll-- EGGPLANT PIZZAS!
Pause.
"What did you just say, Diana? Eggplant pizzas?! What's so cool about that!"
UM!! Every single part of it is what's so cool!! You think eggplant pizza and envision pieces of eggplants cubed up with other delicious veggies, all laid out on a bed of gooey cheese and a doughy crust, right? Well, you're WRONG! In this recipe I use the actual eggplant.. that's right.. the actual EGGPLANT as the crust!! If you aren't impressed by now just leave.
No, I'm joking. Please stay and try my recipe! Not only is it somewhat healthy (sometimes we need a little bit of cheese in our life), but it is also vegetarian and gluten-free! So how did I come up with this beyond brilliant recipe you ask? I didn't! And I am not ashamed to say I made my own version of someone else's recipe because that's what blogging is all about, right? Sharing new ideas and empowering other people? So of course, here is the link to the recipe I found. I obviously decided to ixnay the pepperoni and used my own vegetarian friendly options including mushrooms and also added some nutritional yeast and flax seeds for more vitamins and nutrients!
Anyway, one day last week I went to my favorite grocery store Sprouts with a girl friend and they were having a 2 for $1 sale on eggplants that we could not pass it up! What a great deal! I am always so confused when I hear people are hesitant when it comes to transitioning into vegetarianism only because they don't know what they would eat or that it's just too complicated. Believe it or not, since I became vegetarian (again) I've saved so much money and just have a lot more fun trying out new recipes and techniques! So if you have time, make sure you try out this healthy and guilt-free pizza recipe! I also made a video of this recipe so make sure you check it out down below!
NOTE: If you'd like a crispier crust, try dipping the eggplants in an egg wash and panko crumbs before baking the first time! It can also be made vegan by switching out the cheese for a vegan variant or even by not using any at all!
MY YOUTUBE VIDEO ON THIS RECIPE:
Eggplant Pizzas
This recipe is a quick and easy satisfy your pizza cravings while still being guilt free!!
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 mushrooms
- 1/2 a shallot
- 5 grape tomatoes
- Spinach
- Pizza, spaghetti, or marinara sauce
- Nutritional yeast
- Muenster Cheese
- Flax seeds
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Crushed red chili flakes
- Grape seed oil
Instructions
1. Wash and slice your eggplant into 1/2 inch pieces. Salt evenly on both sides and let sit for 20 minutes. This will help remove the bitterness flavor eggplants tends to have. Pat dry with a paper towel.2. While you wait, use this time to cut up whatever toppings you have on hand.3. Once ready, pre-heat your oven at 400 F. Place the eggplant on a foil lined baking sheet, paint on oil and season with pepper. Bake for 15 minutes. Check at the 10 minute mark to make sure your eggplant isn't getting to soft.4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the seasoned eggplant and then top with your favorite type of cheese.5. Add your toppings and any extra seasoning you have. I used mushrooms, spinach, grape tomatoes, nutritional yeast and flax seeds.6. Place eggplants back into the oven for 3-5 more minutes to melt and slightly roast the toppings.7. Let it cool down for a couple of minutes and then transfer to a plate. This dish can be used as a side or main dish.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 3-4 servings