With a cabbage base, this pizza is a light yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a healthy snack. Let’s go step-by-step, providing tips and solutions to ensure you make a delicious cabbage pizza that hits all the right notes.
Skillet Cabbage Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 small cabbage (about 250g / 9 oz), shredded
- 2 large eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce (or more, if preferred)
- Mozzarella cheese (use as much as you like for that cheesy pizza top)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish and extra flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Base
Shred the Cabbage:
- Start by taking 1/2 of a small cabbage and shredding it into thin strips. You can use a knife or a food processor for this step. You want the cabbage to be in bite-sized pieces, so it forms the “crust” of the pizza.
Tip: Ensure the cabbage is cut thinly for better texture. Thick pieces can make the pizza harder to hold together.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shredded cabbage and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften and slightly caramelize around the edges.
Tip: Cooking the cabbage removes some of its natural moisture, which helps the pizza base become sturdier. If you skip this step, your base may be too watery, making the pizza soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Cabbage with Eggs
While the cabbage is cooking, crack 2 large eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and whisk them together. Once the cabbage is softened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before mixing it into the eggs.
Solution: If you mix the cabbage into the eggs while it’s too hot, you could accidentally cook the eggs prematurely, resulting in a scrambled mixture. Let the cabbage cool for 2-3 minutes to avoid this.
Step 4: Form the Pizza Base
Return the egg-cabbage mixture to the same skillet, pressing it down evenly with a spatula to form a round, pizza-like base. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, letting the eggs set and hold the cabbage together.
Tip: Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture tightly together in the pan. This will create a firm base for your toppings.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Sauce and Cheese
Once the cabbage base has set and is holding together, spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over the top. You can add more sauce if you prefer a saucier pizza, but keep in mind that too much sauce could make the base soggy.
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the pizza so every bite is cheesy and satisfying.
Tip: To keep this low-carb, use a sugar-free pizza sauce. If you like, you can also sprinkle some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want the cabbage crust to firm up and the cheese to turn golden and gooey.
Solution: If your skillet is oven-safe, you can also transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to finish melting the cheese and crisping up the pizza.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.
Slice your Skillet Cabbage Pizza into wedges and serve hot.
Tip: You can also add other toppings like pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives to personalize the pizza. Just be mindful that adding extra toppings could weigh down the cabbage crust, so don’t overload it.
Customizations and Variations
- Keto-Friendly Toppings: Keep it low-carb by adding toppings like grilled chicken, mushrooms, or spinach. Avoid high-carb toppings like pineapple or too much tomato sauce.
- Cheese Lovers’ Option: Try a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar for an extra cheesy pizza experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the pizza for a bit of heat.
Tips for Success:
- Moisture Control: Cabbage naturally has a lot of water, so be sure to cook it thoroughly in the first step to release some of that moisture. If you’re short on time, you can even pat the shredded cabbage dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Even Cooking: When forming the cabbage and egg mixture into the base, make sure it’s spread out evenly in the skillet. This ensures the “crust” cooks uniformly and holds together well when serving.
- Avoid Overloading the Pizza: This cabbage crust is lighter than a traditional pizza crust, so it’s best to avoid too many heavy toppings. Stick to light toppings and thin layers of sauce to prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy.
Nutritional Benefits
This Skillet Cabbage Pizza is not just a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, but it’s also packed with nutrients:
- Cabbage: High in fiber and low in calories, cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K. It’s also known to promote digestive health and provide antioxidants.
- Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D. They help to bind the pizza crust and add a boost of nutrition.
- Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil adds a heart-healthy component to this dish.
- Mozzarella: A great source of calcium and protein, mozzarella cheese brings the cheesy goodness without too many carbs.
Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pizza will hold up well and can easily be reheated for a quick, healthy meal.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover pizza in a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and warm it up until the cheese is melted and the crust is heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Cabbage Pizza is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a low-carb, veggie-packed alternative to traditional pizza. With its crunchy cabbage base, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, it’s a satisfying and guilt-free meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re following a keto diet, trying to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, or simply looking for a unique pizza experience, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!
Enjoy this delicious twist on pizza, knowing it’s both nutritious and delicious!
