Veg Paradise Pizza
Main Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
Make the Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 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:
- In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble and Bake the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- 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.
- Transfer the rolled out dough to a pizza peel or a lightly floured baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange the sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, and diced tomatoes over the cheese.
- Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly into the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- 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.
- Slice and serve your Veg Paradise Pizza hot!