Gluten Free Pizza

When people are told they can no longer eat gluten, they actually go through a mourning period for their favorite gluten containing foods.  Most people will answer “Pizza!” when asked which food they miss the most.  Here in New York City, there is a gluten free restaurant called Risoterria that actually makes gluten free pizza, breadsticks, desserts, and even serves gluten free beer.  It’s a mecca destination for anyone with a gluten allergy.  But it’s possible to recreate this comfort food at home too:

Ingredients:

1 cup rice flour

3/4 cup potato flour

1/4 cup quinoa flour

1 Tbsp  xanthan gum

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

3 tsp instant yeast (about 1 small packet)

2 Tbsp olive oil + 2 Tbsp for toppings

~ 1 + 1/4 cups lukewarm water

Cornstarch (for rolling out the pizza dough)

6 Tbsp tomato sauce

4 oz grated mozzarella cheese

Desired toppings (mushrooms, ham, green peppers, olives, tomatoes, etc)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Spray large rimmed baking sheet / pizza pan with Pam spray.  In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients with a wire whisk.  Mix in 2 Tbsp olive oil.  Slowly add the water (about 1/4 cup at a time), mixing with a spoon until it forms a soft ball.  Transfer to a flat surface lightly covered in cornstarch and knead dough for about 5 minutes, until it resembles pastry dough.

Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to the approximate size of the pizza pan.  It will take two sets of hands to transfer the dough to the pan.  Trim dough pieces hanging off the sides of pan and use to fill in areas where extra dough is needed.  (We also roll any extra dough into breadsticks and bake at 425 degrees for about 4-5 minutes for an extra treat!)  Place pan on top of stove or in another warm spot for about 30 minutes to allow dough to rise.

Spread the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil on the dough.  Then use the back of a spoon to spread the tomato sauce.  Arrange pizza toppings and cheese as desired.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the dough edges are crispy.  Makes about 8 slices.