Quick & Simple Vegan Pizza

This Vegan Pizza recipe is a delicious and customizable dish perfect for any pizza lover. With a crisp crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and a variety of fresh toppings, it’s a fantastic option for a plant-based meal. This pizza is a favorite for its simplicity and versatility, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup canned tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup vegan cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
4. Shape the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer to a pizza pan or a floured pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the vegan cheese on top, followed by your choice of toppings: bell pepper, red onion, mushrooms, and black olives.
   • Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden crust.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the stone and bake.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Tips & Variations:

• Tips: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
• Variations: Customize your pizza with any of your favorite vegan toppings like artichokes, spinach, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also experiment with different vegan cheeses and sauces.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your vegan pizza with a side salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of your favorite wine or a refreshing iced tea. Add some crushed red pepper flakes or vegan Parmesan for extra flavor.

Conclusion: This Vegan Pizza is a versatile and tasty option for any meal. Easy to make and customize, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Enjoy your pizza night!