Pizza is the most popular and the most loved dish in the world. One of the reasons it’s just so great is that you can easily give it your personal touch and flavor to suit your taste and liking. You can add your favorite toppings for kids and adults, load it with your favorite healthy veggies, and it’s meatless—good if you have vegetarians in your family! About Veggie Pizza Now, this whole wheat base vegetable pizza is not only super delicious but also quite healthy. I made this pizza in a cast iron pan so that I can get the crispy crust out of it.
The tips and tricks to get this perfect pizza are now described here. First of all, you must know how to make a perfect pizza crust. For that, you would want a great, absolutely foolproof pizza dough recipe. Now, ask the kids what their favorite food is. The immediate response will be a pizza. Kids just love pizza and can have it any day of the week. But the pizzas you get from the shops are not that healthy. Make your own pizza at home; homemade pizzas are healthier and guilt-free.
Why Choose Veggie Pizza?
Veggie pizza is not only a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for good health. When you add a variety of vegetables to your pizza, you can increase your nutrient intake and enjoy a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the dough
Flour: 3 1/2 cups
Warm water: 1 1/2 cups (110°F)Olive oil: 2 teaspoons
Salt: 2 teaspoons
Sugar: 1 teaspoon
For the sauce
Tomato sauce: 1 cup
Tomato paste: 2 teaspoons
Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
For the toppings
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, grated
Capsicum: 1 cup, chopped (red, green, yellow)
Red onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
Mushrooms: 1 cup, chopped
Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
Black olives: 1/2 cup, sliced
Spinach: 1 cup, fresh
Artichoke hearts: 1 cup, chopped
Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (optional)
Olive oil: for drizzling
Optional extras
Zucchini: 1 small, thinly sliced
Broccoli: 1/2 cup, small diced
Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/4 cup, chopped
Feta cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
Pine nuts: 1/4 cup, toasted
Step-by-step instructions
Making the dough
Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let sit for about 5 minutes, until it turns foamy.
Prepare the dough: Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and pliable.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preparing the sauce
Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Combine the ingredients: Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasonings to taste and remove from the heat.
Assembling the pizza
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place that in the oven to heat as well.
Prepare the dough: When the dough has risen, press it down to release any air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into two equal parts (you can divide it into three parts if you prefer a thinner crust).
Roll out the dough: Roll each part into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference and the size of the baking sheet. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick if for a thin crust, and 1/2 inch thick if for a darker crust.
Transfer to baking sheet: If you are using a baking sheet, lightly oil it and sprinkle some cornmeal to prevent the pizza from sticking.
Spread the sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a little bit around the edges.
Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange the diced bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, black olives, spinach, and artichoke hearts evenly over the cheese. Add any optional toppings, if desired.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the veggies so they roast beautifully in the oven.
Baking the pizza
Bake the pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven (or slide the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Garnish with fresh basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. The heat will cause the basil to wilt slightly and release its aromatic flavor.
Cut and serve: Let the pizza cool briefly and then cut it into slices using a sharp pizza cutter or knife. Serve hot.
FAQs:
Can I use a store-bought crust for my vegetarian pizza?
If you don’t have much time, you can use a store-bought crust. However, creating the dough yourself gives you more control over the ingredients and results in a more personalized flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the vegetarian pizza?
You can freeze both the dough and the final pizza. Allow the dough to rise, then punch it down, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. To complete the pizza, freeze it on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I make a gluten-free version of this vegetarian pizza?
Yes, you may create the dough from a gluten-free flour mix or use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust. Make sure all of your toppings are gluten-free so that your pizza is totally gluten-free.
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