Vegan Veggie Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (use any color)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for sprinkling on top)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Pizza Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside. If you like a slightly richer sauce, you can drizzle in a teaspoon of olive oil.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape (round, square, etc.) about 12 inches in diameter.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined pizza peel or baking sheet. If you’re using a baking sheet, lightly grease the sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle a layer of vegan mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your desired veggie toppings: sliced red onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and spinach.
5. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, it may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on it.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle some dried oregano on top for extra flavor. If desired, add fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Slice the pizza and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Vegan Veggie Pizza!
Tips:
- Make it Gluten-Free: You can swap the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for pizza dough.
- Vegan Cheese Options: You can use store-bought vegan mozzarella or make your own. Vegan cream cheese, cashew cheese, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also work as a substitute.
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Other great options include artichoke hearts, zucchini, broccoli, or even vegan sausage or pepperoni.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
This Vegan Veggie Pizza is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or just when you’re craving a satisfying plant-based meal!
