My Cabbage Pizza Topping Adventure

Let me tell you a story. It all started last Tuesday. I was staring blankly into my fridge, the usual suspects staring back: wilting lettuce, a lonely tomato, and… a whole head of cabbage. My initial reaction? 'Ugh, cabbage.' But then, a spark! Pizza night! Not just any pizza, a cabbage pizza. Weird, I know, but just hear me out. This is not your grandma's cabbage casserole; this is a whole other culinary experience.

I mean, I'd seen a few recipes online, but they were all so. complicated. Long lists of ingredients, fancy techniques, you name it. I'm a busy person! I needed something simple, delicious, and, dare I say, exciting. So, I experimented. And experimented. And then, finally, I had it-my favorite way to make a delicious and easy cabbage pizza topping.

Ready to ditch the same-old toppings and take a taste of adventure? Let's get cooking!

What You'll Need:

This recipe is all about simplicity. Forget long shopping lists – you probably already have most of these ingredients!

• 1 medium head of green cabbage: Seriously, that's it. I'm not kidding. Find a nice, firm one.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil makes all the difference.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Or to taste. I always add more, but do what your tastebuds tell ya!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if you have it. The better the pepper, the better the pizza!
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Or a clove of fresh garlic, minced. I'm lazy so I use the powder.
• Pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade. If you want an extra crispy pizza, use a thin crust.
• Pizza sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade. I have used both, and they are great.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded. This is the staple for any decent pizza. Perhaps I got a little too enthusiastic with this ingredient… oops!

Getting Started: Preparing the Cabbage

We'll start by getting that cabbage ready. This is going to be the most important part, so pay attention! This isn't just about chopping; it's about making that humble cabbage into something real special. Here's how to do it:

1. Thinly slice the cabbage, super-thin strips. You can do this with a knife, but if you have a mandoline slicer, it will make the job much faster and easier. If you don't have a mandoline, that's okay! Nothing fancy required.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Throw in those strips of cabbage once hot.
3. Cook the cabbage, occasionally stirring, until it's tender and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remember to season it liberally with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don't be shy with the seasoning, my friend!
4. Take off the heat and let it sit. Let the cabbage cool down a bit before adding it to your pizza.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

Time to get exciting! Prepare your pizza dough (I normally use an already-made one, saves a lot of time!). You can lay down an even layer of your favorite pizza sauce. Now here comes the most magical part: Sprinkle a heavy layer of mozzarella cheese followed by the perfectly cooked cabbage. Easy, isn't it?

You can stop there, but my friend, don't be afraid to get creative! Maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick? Or some fresh herbs like parsley or oregano? I might also throw in some caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless! Experiment and find what you like best!

Once you're done with your creation, put it into a preheating oven until golden brown: 400°F or 200°C for 12 to 15 minutes, the crust golden brown, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep your eyes on it, so you won't burn it.

Serving and Enjoying Your Cabbage Pizza

Pull the pizza out of the oven carefully. Let it cool down a bit, as you would not want to burn your mouth, no matter how eager you are. Cut and serve. And my friends, get ready for a shock! Really, this pizza will blow your mind. And your friends' minds! Don't forget to tell them it's your own creation.

This is the perfect pizza for one of those weeknights when you're crunched for time but still want something delicious and satisfying. And it's a great way to use up some leftover cabbage and cut down on food waste. I feel so good when I do that. I hope you do too!

What are you waiting for? Go make this pizza!