Ultimate Mediterranean Veggie Pizza – A Flavorful Delight

Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this homemade veggie pizza. Perfectly crisp crust, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables make this pizza a healthy and delicious choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
• For the Toppings:
  • ¾ cup pizza sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
   • Add olive oil, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat and Roll:
   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
   • Roll out the dough to your desired thickness on parchment paper.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then layer with red onion, olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts.
   • Add crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
4. Bake:
   • Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Top with fresh basil leaves before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Tips:

• Use a pizza stone for a perfectly crisp crust.
• Experiment with additional toppings like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Pre-cook vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.

You can visit our Pizza Recipes section for even more delicious recipes.

FAQ:

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
   • Absolutely! Store-bought dough works well when you’re short on time.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   • Wrap leftover slices in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make this pizza vegan?
   • Yes! Substitute mozzarella and feta cheese with plant-based alternatives.