If you love pizza but are looking for a lighter, vegetable-based version, this cabbage crust skillet pizza is the perfect recipe for you! By using cabbage as the base, this dish offers a nutritious and unique twist on traditional pizza. With a mixture of eggs and green onions for added flavor and structure, and topped with classic pizza ingredients like mozzarella, mushrooms, peppers, and olives, this recipe is a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while still satisfying your pizza cravings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 Small Cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 3-4 Eggs
- 2 Green Onions (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp Pizza Sauce or Tomato Sauce
- 20g Mozzarella Cheese (grated, divided)
- 1 Green Pepper (sliced)
- 1 Shallot (sliced)
- 3 Mushrooms (sliced)
- 5-6 Black Olives (pitted and halved)
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Base
- Cook the cabbage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and spread it evenly in the skillet. Cook the cabbage over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and reduces in size.
- Season the cabbage: After 10 minutes, season the cabbage with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Beat the eggs: In a small bowl, crack 3-4 eggs and whisk them together with the chopped green onions, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add the egg mixture to the cabbage: Pour the beaten egg mixture over the cooked cabbage in the skillet, spreading it evenly to cover the cabbage. Lower the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the eggs to set but not fully cook through.
Step 3: Add the Pizza Sauce and Toppings
- Spread the sauce: Once the eggs have slightly set, spread 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce or tomato sauce evenly over the egg and cabbage base.
- Add the cheese and vegetables: Sprinkle 10g of grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, add the sliced green pepper, shallot, mushrooms, and black olives on top.
- Add the remaining mozzarella: Finally, sprinkle the remaining 10g of mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: Cook with the Lid On
- Cover and cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt, and the vegetables to soften slightly. Make sure to keep the heat low to prevent the base from burning.
- Check for doneness: After 10 minutes, check to see if the cheese is melted and bubbly, and if the vegetables are tender. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with cilantro: Once the pizza is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Slice the cabbage crust pizza into wedges and serve hot. This healthy, low-carb pizza is perfect for a light dinner or a weekend lunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or feta. Each cheese will give the pizza a different flavor profile. Mozzarella, however, melts well and gives the pizza that classic stretchy cheese texture.
2. Can I add other toppings to the pizza?
Absolutely! You can customize this pizza with any toppings you like, such as sliced tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, or even some cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. Just be mindful of the moisture content in the toppings, as some vegetables may release water and make the pizza soggy.
3. Can I use a different base instead of cabbage?
If you prefer, you can use other vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini as the base for this recipe. Cauliflower is a popular low-carb alternative and works similarly to cabbage when cooked with eggs.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses cabbage and eggs as the base instead of a traditional wheat crust. Just make sure any sauces or additional toppings you use are also gluten-free.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cabbage Crust Skillet Pizza
- Cook the cabbage thoroughly: Make sure the cabbage is soft and tender before adding the egg mixture. The cabbage acts as the “crust,” so you want it fully cooked to provide structure and flavor.
- Low and slow cooking: When cooking the egg and cabbage base, keep the heat low to avoid burning the bottom. This also ensures that the eggs cook evenly and remain fluffy.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to mix and match different vegetables and toppings to suit your taste. Just be sure not to overload the pizza with too many ingredients, as this could make it difficult for the base to hold together.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a refreshing burst of flavor to the finished pizza. Don’t skip this step, as it elevates the dish!
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal.
- Freezing: While this pizza is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Place the cooked and cooled pizza in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the pizza in a skillet over low heat or microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook when reheating, as the eggs can become rubbery.
Conclusion
Cabbage Crust Skillet Pizza with Mozzarella and Vegetables is a healthy, delicious, and satisfying alternative to traditional pizza. Packed with nutritious ingredients like cabbage, eggs, and a variety of vegetables, this recipe is a great option for those looking to enjoy a low-carb meal without sacrificing flavor. The combination of cheesy goodness, savory vegetables, and a hint of spice from the black pepper and red pepper flakes makes this dish a hit with both adults and kids. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!