There’s something truly magical about a fresh, piping-hot pizza.
Whether it’s for a weekend treat, a movie night, or just when you’re craving something deliciously cheesy, pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. While classic cheese or pepperoni pizzas have their charm, there’s something extra special about a Veg Pizza. Packed with colorful vegetables, gooey cheese, and a crispy, golden crust, it’s a satisfying, wholesome choice for pizza lovers of all ages.
Ingredients for Veg Pizza (Serves 2-3)
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (not too hot, about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tbsp dry oregano or Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels
- A few fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
- A drizzle of olive oil for finishing (optional)
How to Make Veg Pizza: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it means it’s no longer active, and you may need to use fresh yeast.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and optional oregano. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
While the dough is rising, let’s make the pizza sauce. In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well and set aside. This simple sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to your pizza!
3. Preheat the Oven:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside to heat up. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a regular baking sheet will work just fine.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Punch the dough down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Aim for about 10-12 inches in diameter for a traditional size, but you can make it larger or smaller based on your preference.
If you like a thin crust, roll it out a little thinner; for a thicker, chewier crust, leave it a bit thicker. Once rolled out, carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling and to avoid any mess when transferring it to the oven.
5. Assemble the Veg Pizza:
Spread a generous amount of the homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Next, sprinkle a good amount of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your veggies – bell peppers, onions, zucchini, olives, mushrooms, and corn. Feel free to get creative with your toppings; you can add spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, or anything else that strikes your fancy!
If you like, you can add a sprinkle of dried oregano or chili flakes for extra flavor. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help everything cook evenly and give the pizza a nice golden color.
6. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary.
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. If you like, add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Slice and Serve:
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Veg Pizza with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad!
A Small Note About Veg Pizza:
Veg Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a blank canvas for creativity. The beauty of making your own pizza is the freedom to experiment with toppings, cheeses, and sauces to match your taste buds. Whether you like it cheesy, tangy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, you can make the perfect pizza every time.
