Vegan Veggie Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Vegan Veggie Pizza is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables, vegan cheese, and a delicious homemade pizza crust. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza is sure to impress with its vibrant toppings and savory taste. Let’s dive into this detailed, professional recipe to make a perfect vegan pizza at home.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup fresh arugula
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. Mix until a dough forms, adding more flour as needed.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  2. Divide the dough in half if making two pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza.
  3. Roll the dough into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  2. Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  3. Arrange the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, and black olives on top of the cheese.
  4. Sprinkle dried oregano and basil over the toppings.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
  2. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh arugula.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade vegan veggie pizza!

Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 8 slices):

  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
  • Calcium: 60mg (5% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
  • Potassium: 300mg (6% DV)

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Veggie Pizza

  1. Dough Rising: Ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl of dough in an oven with just the light on.
  2. Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat.
  3. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor. Feel free to add other favorites like artichokes, zucchini, or spinach.
  4. Vegan Cheese: Experiment with different brands of vegan cheese to find the one you like best. Some melt better than others.
  5. Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a stovetop for best results.

By following this detailed recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and nutritious vegan veggie pizza that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients in every bite!