Vegetarian Pizza
Pizza doesn't have to be an unhealthy meal. Add some wholemeal four to the base (and ditch some of the refined flour), use lots of vegetables on top and limit use of ham, bacon or salami. Then, serve with a big green salad.
2 Cups Plain Flour (or 1 wholemeal, 1 plain)
2/3 Cup warm water
1 Tsp Dried Yeast
1/2 Tsp sugar
Grind of pepper and pinch of salt
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1X 400g Can diced Tomatoes
1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1 Large Onion, diced
2 Cloves Garlic, crushed
Dried oregano or fresh Basil
Salt and Pepper- Grind of each
2 Tbsps Olive Oil
4-5 Tablespoons grated or sliced Mozzarella Cheese (or use tasty if thats what you have)
Assorted vegetables-
Ones that I often use are:
Sliced Mushrooms
Sweetcorn kernels
Sliced Capsicum
Pineapple Chunks
Roast Pumpkin pieces
Baby Spinach leaves
Pitted Olives
Canned Artichoke Hearts
Pesto
Don't be scared to experiment!
In a jug put the yeast, sugar and warm water.It should be warm not hot. Too hot and you'll kill the yeast and then the pizza dough won't rise.
Leave in a warn place for 5-10 minutes for the yeast to start growing.
Meanwhile in a bowl or electric mixer, combine the flour, salt and pepper.
When the yeast has produced some bubbles, pour it into the flour, and add the oil. Mix together to a sticky dough. Knead by hand or with the mixer for 5 minutes. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap and leave to prove for 20 minutes or so in a warm place.
Make the tomato base sauce:
Fry the onion and garlic in the olive oil. Add the can of tomatoes, tomato paste and a little salt and some pepper. Leave to simmer until thick and jammy.
Preheat the oven to about 200 C.
Place a large baking tray in the oven to heat up.
When the dough has risen remove from the bowl. On a piece of baking paper, press the dough out into a rough circle using your hands. (I put the paper on a large chopping board to make transferring it easier later on).
Spread with the tomato sauce then place your selected toppings on that.
Finish with a good sprinkle of cheese.
Remove the hot tray from the oven and carefully slide the finished pizza onto it. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until dough is cooked through and the top is looking baked and golden.