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Chickpea Crust Pizza

What is your review of the Chicken Crust Pizza? I know it sounds a little…out there. I thought the same thing at first! Is it possible to have your mind blown? Think of it as the Gluten-Free Pizza base that dreams are made of, but with a nutty, slightly sweet topping. Is there a flavor that is addictive? Is it easier to make homemade bread dough? Is it better than a pizza? When did you make cauliflower crust pizza? This is nothing like that. This **chickpea crust pizza** is sturdy, holds its toppings beautifully, and is packed with protein! My kids beg me to make pizza for dinner.

Chickpea Crust Pizza final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a Chickpea Crust Pizza?

What is the best way to break it down.? What is a “chickpea crust pizza”? What is called besan flour? What is essentially a simple batter of chickpea flour, water, and seasonings that’s cooked in tin foil? What is a skillet or oven? Think of it as a giant, savory pancake that you then load up with all your favorite pizza toppings. Is it Gluten Free? If you’re not, the texture and flavor are so unique and delicious that you want to make it all the time. It’s a staple in some Mediterranean cuisines, often referred to as “farinata” or “socca,” and each time is accompanied with saffron. Culture has its own twist. What is your go-to meal for the week?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this **chickpea crust pizza** is how versatile it is. What are some of the best toppings to put in your fridge?

  • Flavor:The crust itself has a lovely, slightly nutty and subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the crust. Both sweet and savory toppings. Is it overpowering? It’s not, but it adds a depth of flavor that you just don’t get with regular pizza.
  • Simplicity:What is the easiest pizza crust I’ve ever made? What is a “dump and stir” recipe? Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights?
  • Cost-Chickpea flour is surprisingly cheap, and you probably already have most of the other flours. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What is the best way to enjoy a delicious meal?
  • Versatility:As I mentioned before, you can customize this pizza with any toppings you like. I’ve made everything from classic Margherita to veggie-loaded masterpieces, and they all turned out great. Plus, you can experiment with different herbs and spices in the crust itself to create even more flavor. What are some flavor variations

I’ve tried other gluten-free pizza crusts before, and they’re often either cardboard-like or overly dense. I can’t eat them, so I try this one. What is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease? What is the best way to try it?

How do I make a Chickpea Crust Pizza?

Quick Overview

How do you make a chicken crust pizza? What is the recipe for chickpea flour, water and seasonings? Is it safe to put it on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy? Then, add your toppings and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The resting period is key to allow the chickpea flour to fully absorb the water, resulting in a dry and spongy texture. Is there a better crust for the bread? Is it that simple?

Ingredients

For the Chickpea Crust: What are

  • 1 cup chickpea flour (also known as besan flour) – I always get mine from the Indian grocery store. It tends to be the freshest.
  • 1 cup water – You can even use warm water.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use a good quality one.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Or Italian seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Sea salt is my go-to.
  • What is the best way to ground black pepper?

For the Toppings (use your favorites):

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce – I love using a good quality marinara sauce.
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese – Freshly shredded melts the best.
  • What are your favorite pizza toppings? Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives and spinach.

Chickpea Crust Pizza ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or baking sheet with olive oil. I find that cast iron gives the crust a particularly nice crispy bottom, but I also find baking sheet works. How do I prevent a crust from sticking to my pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside. What are the lumps in chickpea flour? How do you spread spices evenly in a crust?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the water and olive oil to a bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well. Whisk until well combined, creating a smooth batter. Is it okay if there are a few tiny lumps, but try to get it as smooth as possible.

Step 4: Combine

Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, at room temperature. This allows the chickpea flour to absorb the water, resulting in a more tender crust. I always do this when I’m prepping other ingredients. Don’t skip this step – it really makes a difference!

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While the batter is resting, prepare your toppings. What vegetables should I cook, and shred the cheese. If the crust is already formed, the assembly process will be much faster.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I make a thin crust? Pour the batter into the prepared skillet. The thinner the crust, the crispier it will be. I aim for about 14 inch thickness.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and set around the edges. The center should still be slightly soft. How long does it take to bake a cake? I always rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Remove the crust from the oven and spread the tomato sauce evenly over the top. What are your favorite toppings for pizza? Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. How do you slice cheese?

What should I serve it with?

What is a good recipe for cheesy crust pizza? How do I make it a complete meal?

For Lunch:Serve with a simple side salad with olive oil. What are some good side dishes to serve with pizza?

For Dinner:Pair it with a warm bowl of Tomato Soup or minestrone. What is the best soup to serve?

As Appetizer:What are some good ways to serve pizza as an appetizer at a party? What is a gluten-free option?

For Cozy Nights:How can I enjoy it with a glass of red wine? What is the perfect Comfort Food for a relaxing evening at home? What do we do on movie night?

We’ve even been known to have leftover **chickpea crust pizza** for breakfast! Don’t knock it till you try it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chickpea Crust Pizza

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make the perfect **chickpea crust pizza** every time. Here are my top tips:

Chickpea Flour Quality: Use high-quality chickpea flour. The finer the flour, the smoother the crust will be. I find that the chickpea flour from Indian grocery stores tends to be the freshest and finest.

Resting Time is Key: Don’t skip the resting time! This is crucial for allowing the chickpea flour to fully absorb the water, resulting in a more tender crust.

Preheat Your Pan: Make sure your skillet or baking sheet is well-greased and hot before pouring in the batter. This will help the crust to crisp up nicely on the bottom.

Thin Crust = Crispy Crust: Spread the batter thinly for a crispier crust. The thinner the crust, the more evenly it will cook and the crispier it will be. I aim for about ¼ inch thickness.

Don’t Overload the Toppings: Resist the urge to overload the pizza with toppings. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Less is more!

Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in the crust. Garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and dried rosemary are all great additions.

Baking Time Varies: Keep an eye on the pizza while it’s baking, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The crust should be golden brown and set around the edges, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

I remember one time I tried to rush the resting time, and the crust turned out gummy. Lesson learned! Now I always make sure to give it at least 30 minutes to rest.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover **chickpea crust pizza** (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:

Room Temperature: You can store leftover pizza at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel between the pizza slices to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen pizza will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips: To reheat pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat pizza in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave, but the crust won’t be as crispy.

I usually just pop a slice in the Air Fryer for a few minutes – it comes out perfectly crispy every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegan cheese and load up on your favorite plant-based toppings. You can even make a vegan “ricotta” using blended cashews or tofu to add some extra creaminess.
Can I use different types of flour?
While chickpea flour is essential for this recipe, you can experiment with adding a small amount of other flours like brown rice flour or tapioca starch to the batter. However, I wouldn’t recommend substituting chickpea flour entirely, as it’s what gives the crust its unique flavor and texture.
My crust is sticking to the pan! What am I doing wrong?
Make sure your pan is well-greased with olive oil before pouring in the batter. You can also try using parchment paper to line the pan. If the crust is still sticking, it may need to bake for a few more minutes to fully set.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to assemble the pizza, simply add your toppings and bake as directed.
What are some good topping combinations?
The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorites include:

  • Margherita: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil
  • Veggie Lover’s: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives
  • Meat Lover’s: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bacon
  • Hawaiian: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, pineapple

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try your own combinations!

Final Thoughts

Chickpea Crust Pizza slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my go-to **chickpea crust pizza** recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you’re craving a delicious and healthy pizza. It’s easy to make, customizable, and surprisingly delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein and fiber into your diet. I really hope you give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for Lentil Soup or my quick and easy chickpea pasta. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments what your favorite toppings are!

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Chickpea Crust Pizza

Chickpea Crust Pizza: 5 Reasons It's Your New Go-To Recipe

This chickpea crust pizza is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pizza. It's packed with protein and fiber, and it's naturally gluten-free.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups Chickpea Flour also known as besan or gram flour
  • 1 cup Water room temperature
  • 1 tsp Salt sea salt or kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin

Toppings

  • 0.5 cup Tomato Sauce marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese low moisture, part-skim
  • 0.5 cup Sliced Bell Peppers any color
  • 0.5 cup Sliced Olives black or green

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, water, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour the chickpea batter into the skillet and spread evenly.
  • Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and slightly set. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is set and golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, and olives.
  • Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite toppings to customize this pizza!

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as seen on:

Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Easy Healthy Recipes

as seen on:

Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Everydarycookingtips
Easy Healthy Recipes

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