Whole grain vegan pizza

Whole Wheat Vegan Pizza

Are you looking for a pizza recipe that satisfies your cravings, is healthy, and at the same time easy to prepare? I invite you to discover the delight of a whole wheat vegan pizza, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a party with friends, or simply a movie night at home. This recipe is not only simple but also offers the opportunity to use your favorite ingredients, adding a personal touch to each serving.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g whole wheat flour
- 250 g white flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Warm water (approximately 200 ml, but adjust as needed)

For topping:
- 200 g tomato sauce (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green, according to preference)
- 150 g mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 100 g olives (or any other preferred vegetables)
- Herbs (basil, oregano, marjoram) - for added flavor

Preparing the crust

1. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, white flour, salt, and baking soda. This step is essential to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed in the dough.

2. Adding liquid ingredients: Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and add the olive oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or by hand, gradually adding warm water until you achieve a smooth and non-sticky dough. Don’t rush to add all the water at once; it’s important to adjust the dough’s consistency.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step will ensure a pleasant texture for the crust.

4. Preheating the oven: While kneading the dough, preheat the oven to 220°C (437°F). A high temperature is crucial to achieving a crispy crust.

Shaping the pizza

5. Rolling out the dough: After kneading the dough, divide it into two or three equal parts (depending on the desired thickness of the crust). Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a circle, ensuring it’s not too thin (about 5 mm thick).

6. Preparing the tray: Grease a pizza tray or baking tray with olive oil. Place the rolled-out dough in the tray, making sure it reaches the edges.

7. Applying the sauce: Before adding the tomato sauce, brush the crust with a little olive oil and sprinkle your favorite herbs, such as basil and oregano. This step will enhance the pizza's aroma. Then spread the tomato sauce evenly over the entire surface.

Adding the toppings

8. Cutting the vegetables: Slice the bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomatoes thinly. Add your favorite vegetables on top of the tomato sauce. Be creative! You can add zucchini, eggplant, or even marinated tofu for a more interesting texture.

9. Adding the olives: Cut the olives in half or leave them whole, according to preference, and sprinkle them over the vegetables. They will add a salty taste and a pleasant contrast of textures.

Baking the pizza

10. Placing in the oven: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crispy. Check the crust from time to time to ensure it doesn’t burn.

11. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese (if using) to settle and make slicing easier.

Serving suggestions

Serve the whole wheat vegan pizza warm, alongside a fresh arugula salad or a Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an even more intense flavor.

Variations and tips

- Add vegan cheese: If you want an extra burst of flavor, you can add vegan cheese or cashew cheese on top of the vegetables before baking the pizza.
- Herb dough: Add dried herbs to the dough for extra aroma. Basil and oregano are excellent choices.
- Substitutions: You can replace white flour with oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option, making sure to adjust the amount of water.
- Alternative sauces: Use a pesto sauce or a spicy sauce for a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Whole wheat vegan pizza is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whole wheat flour provides essential fiber for digestion, while fresh vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. This pizza is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of flour?: Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, but make sure to adjust the amount of water.
- How can I store leftover pizza?: Pizza keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- What drinks pair well with pizza?: A fresh lemonade, white wine, or craft beer are excellent combinations to accompany whole wheat vegan pizza.

So, gather your friends or family and prepare this whole wheat vegan pizza, which will surely become a favorite for everyone! I invite you to share the recipe and enjoy every crunchy and tasty bite. Bon appétit!