High Protein Plant-Based Quinoa & Chickpea Pizza Recipe
This High Protein Plant-Based Quinoa & Chickpea Pizza features a nutritious, gluten-free crust made from soaked quinoa and chickpea flour. Topped with savory marinara sauce and melted vegan cheese, this pizza provides a delicious and satisfying meal packed with plant-based protein, perfect for those seeking a healthy, vegan-friendly alternative to traditional pizza.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 medium pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Plant-Based, Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Diet: Vegan
Crust Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/3 cup chickpea flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Toppings
- Marinara sauce (about 1/3 cup)
- Vegan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded or sliced)
- Soak Quinoa: Place 1/2 cup of quinoa in a bowl and cover it with hot water. Let it soak for at least 2 hours to soften, which helps achieve a tender crust.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Rinse and Blend: After soaking, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water and drain well. In a food processor, combine the soaked quinoa, chickpea flour, vegetable broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, spreadable batter.
- Spread Batter: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a thin, circular crust shape for even cooking.
- Bake First Round: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Add Toppings: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle vegan cheese over the sauce to taste.
- Bake Second Round: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the vegan cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden, slightly browned top, turn on the oven broiler and broil the pizza for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein, plant-based quinoa chickpea pizza!
Notes
- Soaking quinoa softens the grain and improves digestibility while helping the crust hold together better.
- Chickpea flour adds protein and acts as a binder, making the crust sturdy and nutritious.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor in the crust.
- Customize toppings with your favorite vegetables or vegan protein alternatives for added nutrition.
- If you do not have a food processor, a high-powered blender can also be used to blend the batter.
- This pizza is naturally gluten-free and vegan, fitting many dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: high protein pizza, plant-based pizza, vegan pizza, gluten-free pizza, quinoa pizza, chickpea flour crust, healthy pizza recipe