Ask Goodbaker:
Vegan Baking Questions and Answers

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Q: My parents are on the South Beach diet and haven't had pizza in a LONG time, so I figured I'd make them a healthy vegan pizza that conforms to their diet, although they'll have to deal with the Vegan cheese! Any suggestions?

A: If you are making this for a low-carb meal, you can try searching the web for "Atkins pizza crust recipe".
But watch out because Atkins-style recipes use a lot of butter, cream and eggs...

You can also try to make your own low-carb flour, like the kind thatkins sells. Start with the following formula to make one cup of low carb "flour":
1/2 cup soy flour
1/4 cup wheat bran or oat bran (not oatmeal)
1/8 cup isolated soy protein
1/8 cup vital wheat gluten

This will NOT behave exactly like real wheat flour, but neither does the Atkins stuff, and this will be healthier than the manufactured stuff, as well as being a complete vegan protein source, too. You may need more liquid in the recipe.

Recipes made with low-carb flour mixes have a denser texture, less "spring" and a different flavor -- because wheat has a nice flavor, but soy flour and soy protein powder don't. Try adding herbs to compensate. (or extra vanilla if it's a sweet recipe)

hint: 1/8 cup = 2 Tablespoons

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Please note that we are not medical professionals, and our advice is not intended to treat any disease or to substitute for the knowledge and advice of a medical professional. We're just trying to help by passing on what we've learned from others.