Veggie Pizza

Veggie Pizza 

Prep time: 1 hour 15 mins

Cooking Time:20 mins

Total Time:1 hour 35 mins

Servings: 4 

Pizza...Pizza.....is  a  food that by now the whole world enjoys and embraces.  The sight of a pizza still brings water in our mouth. Yet some shun away from pizza saying it is.. calories loaded... and so forth!! Remember, much lies in our hands; how we treat this pampered food and surge its nutritive value.  Here in this recipe I have diligently experimented and maneuvered efforts to keep the unnecessary calories  at  bay. In the end what we have is a concoction of wholesome flavours and a judicious medley of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and nutrients. A wholesome pizza  supplies you with the nutrients without any feelings of guilt. One doesn't necessarily have to put loads of cheese to enhance the taste of pizza. It is the perfect balance of the ingredients that matters.
In the Veggie Pizza that follows, the pizza base is made from a mix of whole wheat and refined flour. The vegetables used in the topping are all fresh. If time permits you may use homemade sauce or just buy readily available pizza  sauce. So what are we waiting for.... Let's get started!

Ingredients:

(standard cup measurement) 

FOR PIZZA BASE: 

• 1 cup all purpose flour maida  
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup warm water and a little more if needed for dough

FOR TOPPING:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup canned corn kernels
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup capsicum asstd. colours
• 1/4 cup sliced olives
• 1-2  teaspoon oregano 
• a little butter/olive oil  to brush on the pizza base

Method:

1. Get organised with ingredients for the pizza base and topping.
   
   
   
   
2. Mix sugar and yeast in  warm water. Cover and keep aside for 5-7 minutes for yeast to activate. (in case of instant yeast this step can be avoided and the instant yeast can be added directly to the flour. I have proofed it just to be sure that yeast is active.)
   
   
   
   
3. Check the yeast sugar solution after the stipulated time.  By now froth would have formed.
   
4. In the meanwhile , sift  all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour into a mixing bowl.
   
   
   
   
5. Add the salt and oil to it.
   
   
   
   
6. Pour activated yeast solution onto the flour and mix with an electric dough  hook. Pour the solution a little at a time.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Add a little more warm water if needed and keep mixing
8. Once a dough is formed  turn  it onto the working slab and knead it nicely till smooth and elastic. The dough should be a little sticky or tacky to touch but not too wet. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
9. Spread a thin layer of olive  oil over the inside of a bowl. Coat the dough with oil and place it in the bowl.
   
10.  Cover with plastic wrap and keep in a warm place for it to rise(ferment). Keep it at least for an hour. 
    
11. After one hour the dough would have risen.
    
12.  Gently knock down the dough .
    
13. Divide the dough into equal portions
    
    
    
    
14. Dust some flour onto the work surface and roll out each ball. Be gentle with the dough!
    
15. Grease a baking tray and sprinkle some semolina or cornmeal. This enhances the texture of the pizza base. 
16. Transfer the rolled out pizza base onto this  baking tray that will go into the oven. 
17. Prick the pizza base with fork so that it does not puff.
    
18. Brush some butter or olive oil on the base  so that it does not become soggy with the toppings.
    
19. Spread the sauce evenly leaving the edges
    
    
    
    
20. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese.Do not be over generous with cheese. 
    
21. Time now for the vegetables capsicum, onion, corn, olives and you can do your own add-on. Caution: Don't overload the pizza, it may turn out soggy.
22. Sprinkle  a dash of salt and oregano.Finish off with cheese.
23. Now into the preheated oven goes the first pizza.
    
24. Bake till the crust on the sides and bottom turns golden brown and the cheese is golden in colour. It will take around 15-20 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
    
25.   Bake the remaining pizzas in the same manner.
    
    
    

Tips:

1. Minor oven temperatures adjustments needed among different  oven brands 
2. Flexibility prevails with the topping. Make adjust according to likes and dislikes. 

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