Directions

Make the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

 Make the Pizza Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions. Roll out each portion into a circle (about 12 inches in diameter) on a floured surface.
3. Transfer the rolled out dough to a pizza peel or a lightly floured baking sheet.
4. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
6. Arrange the sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, and diced tomatoes over the cheese.
7. Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly into the oven.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) over the hot pizza.
10. Slice and serve your Veg Paradise Pizza hot!