Veg Pizza recipe

 Here's a simple method for making a delicious homemade vegetable pizza with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the pizza sauce:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese if preferred)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

1. Activate yeast : In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and activated dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix dough : In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, pour in the activated yeast mixture, and add olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the dough : Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise : Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2.Prepare the Pizza Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

3.Assemble the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas (or keep whole for a large pizza).
3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into your desired shape (round or rectangular) about ¼ inch thick.
4. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
5. Spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
7. Add your prepared vegetable toppings: onion slices, bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach.

4.Bake the Pizza:

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. If you like your pizza extra crispy, you can bake it for an additional 1–2 minutes.

5. Garnish and serve:

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
3. Slice and serve!

Enjoy your homemade vegetable pizza!