Whole wheat Veggie Pizza from scratch

I'm kind of a person to say big no to Pizza.I don't really know , for some odd reasons , pizza has never been on my food list.Even after sharing this recipe here ,I 'm sure there will not not be any change in my mindset.

But when I'm traveling and left with no other vegetarian choice , I go with cheese pizza or veggie pizza.One fine day ,while we were having pizza outside, my son was asking me , "Amma , often,you try doing various recipes at home to make it much more healthy.Why not Pizza at home ? Are you scared of trying them at home"

After getting a challenge from my son, my ego didn't let me take a back step.So,I wanted to make complete preparation at home.First  I made the pizza sauce well ahead and stored in my refrigerator.It was a complete surprise for my son and my husband ,to see a fresh baked pizza inviting them , after they were back from play park.

I was doing a small victory dance after seeing the output, well raised and soft pizza crust with gooey top and the perfect crunchy veggies .On the other hand , my son was dancing thinking that he might get frequent home made pizzas.

Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

Tomatoes ............5 to 6 big,(I used Roma tomatoes)
Garlic .................. 3 cloves
Fresh herbs ......... 1 tbsp ,chopped(I used parsley, oregano,thyme,rosemary)
Sugar .................. 1 tbsp,optional
Oil ....................... 1 tsp
Salt ....................... 1 tsp
Lime juice ............. 1 tbsp(substitute with distilled vinegar)

Method

1. Blend tomatoes well  with sugar ,if using.
2. Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan and roast garlic for a minute.
3. Add the tomato puree and herbs, salt and cook in medium flame.
4. Partially cover the pan  with a  lid and cook for 45 minutes or until you get a thick gravy.
5. Turn off the heat and add lime juice.
6. Store in a air tight glass container .

Pizza dough

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour ................ 2 1/4 cup
All purpose flour .................. 1/2 cup
Water ................................. 1cup + 2 tbsp (luke warm)
Active dry yeast .................... 1 ,sachet (7 gms)
Sugar .................................. 1 tsp
Salt ..................................... 1 tsp
Oil ......................................... 1 tbsp

Method

1. In a small cup , take 1/4 cup warm water( 2tbsp) and add yeast and sugar and mix well and leave it in a warm place for 10 minutes to proof.You will notice nice frothing , if not the yeast is not active , so change the yeast.
2. In a big mixing bowl, add both the flours and salt and mix well.
3. Make a small well and add yeast and water and knead well to make a soft pliable dough.
4. Drizzle little bit oil on top and cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for an hour.
5. After it doubles in size, take it out and gently knead again and let it rest for 2nd proofing.

Assemble the Pizza

Ingredients

Pizza dough
Pizza sauce ................. 1/2 cup
Vegetables .................... 1 cup (assorted, I used kalamata olives,tomatoes,Jalapenos,mushrooms, onions,broccoli)
Cheese .......................... 1/4 cup( I used a mi of low fat mozzerella ,mild cheddar and parmesan)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. If using a pizza stone, preheat with the stone(I used a cookie sheet)
3. Use a rolling board and pin to roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and size.
4. Transfer the dough to the pizza stone or cookie sheet.
5. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on top of the pizza.
6. Sprinkle some dry herbs on top.
7. Arrange vegetables and top it up with cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

I used oilve oil. You can use any nutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil .
Topping is according to your preference.
Oven timings vary, so keep an eye after 15 minutes.