This Delicious Vegan Pizza is a perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic pizza without any animal products. With a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and a variety of fresh toppings, this pizza is both satisfying and fun to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup of vegan mozzarella cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of fresh spinach
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to the bowl. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is 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 about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
- Spread an even layer of the tomato sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and spinach on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Different Toppings: Feel free to use any vegetables or toppings you prefer, such as mushrooms, artichokes, or vegan sausage.
- Cheesy Crust: Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough or crust if needed.
This Delicious Vegan Pizza is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and customizable toppings of this delightful pizza. Happy cooking!
