Dang it has been forever since I have written on the blog. As most of you know we went back home for our daughters wedding in May and to say we were busy is a huge understatement.
But we are back home, I am back in my happy place, AKA the kitchen and I am looking forward to sharing more goodies with you all. Wedding pics coming soon ;-)
Today I want to share with you an easy, high-protein, gluten-free pizza crust. The crust held up well even the next day, which is a win-win for a gluten-free crust. The crust is made with chickpeas. I grind my chickpea flour in my Thermomix from dried beans, but I am pretty sure store-bought flour will come out the same.
I love chickpeas. Here is why:
First off chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are gluten-free and damn tasty duh.
🌱 1. High in Plant-Based Protein
- Great for vegetarians/vegans: Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein (about 15g per cooked cup).
- Supports muscle repair and immune function.
🩺 2. Supports Heart Health
- Rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate, which are all important for cardiovascular health.
- Soluble fiber helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
🍽 3. Aids Digestion
- High fiber content (about 12g per cup) promotes regular bowel movements.
- Helps feed healthy gut bacteria and may reduce inflammation in the gut.
⚖️ 4. Supports Weight Management
- High fiber and protein make you feel full longer, reducing overeating.
- Has a low glycemic index (GI), helping to stabilize blood sugar.
🍬 5. Helps Control Blood Sugar
- Rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, chickpeas cause a slower rise in blood sugar compared to refined carbs.
- May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes or help manage it.
🦴 6. Bone Health
- Contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all important for strong bones.
- Especially helpful for postmenopausal women at risk of osteoporosis.
🌿 7. Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients
- Provides folate, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support brain health, energy production, and red blood cell formation.
- Contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress.
Chickpea Pizza Crust
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or Thermomix
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup chickpea flour 93 grams
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch(flour) 32 grams
- 3/4 cup room temp water
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 tbsp dried herbs of your choice
- 3 tbsp olive oil optional, I normally don't use any
- 1 dash black or white pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1 pinch poppyseeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat the over to 375f or 180c
- Line a pizza pan or shallow baking pan with parchment paper. I spray the paper with olive oil. I do not do this because it sticks but more because a tiny bit of oil helps the crust crisp up on the bottom. You do You.
- Add all the ingredients to your food processor and pulse until you achieve a dough consistency. If the dough is too thick add a tiny bit more water. if the dough is too wet add in some more cheese, flour or for me I add in a cooked potato. I know I am weird but we like potatoes. :-)
- Bake the crust for 12 minutes or until it achieves a nice golden color. Remove the crust and top with your favorite goodies. My favorites to use are pineapple, mushrooms, olives and peppers. Depending what you top your crust with will determine how long it needs to go back in the oven. The crust is already cooked so it is now about melting your cheese and warming your toppings.
Notes
