Spring vegetable pizza with mozzarella

Spring Vegetable and Mozzarella Pizza

Who can resist the tempting aroma of a freshly baked pizza? This spring vegetable and mozzarella pizza recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an opportunity to explore the delicious flavors of fresh vegetables. A homemade pizza is not just a savory dish, but also a fun activity for the whole family. Plus, it's a great way to teach kids about cooking and the importance of healthy eating.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4-8

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 500 g flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 300 ml lukewarm milk

For the topping:
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon basil-flavored olive oil
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 125 g mozzarella, sliced
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 can (400 g) peas with carrots, drained

Preparation:

1. Preliminary phase - activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 100 ml of lukewarm milk with the sugar and fresh yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as the activated yeast will help the pizza crust rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and the remaining lukewarm milk. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they start to combine.

3. Kneading: Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes, stretching and folding it until it becomes smooth and elastic. A well-kneaded dough will have a fine texture and will rise beautifully during baking.

4. First rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until it doubles in volume.

5. Shaping the crusts: After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and roll it out again. Divide it into 4-8 pieces, depending on the desired pizza size. Shape each piece into a ball and let them rise for 20 minutes, covered.

6. Forming the pizza crusts: Take each dough ball and shape it into a flat circle using your palms or a rolling pin. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Preparing the filling: Preheat the oven to 220 °C. In an ovenproof dish, mix the bell peppers, green onions, and olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they soften slightly.

8. Assembling the pizza: Spread the pizza crusts with tomato paste. Evenly distribute the baked vegetables on each pizza. Place slices of mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle the peas with carrots on top.

9. Baking the pizza: Bake the pizza in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crusts are golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will be irresistible!

10. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or a glass of natural juice.

Nutritional benefits:
This pizza is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins from the fresh vegetables. Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, while peas provide essential proteins and fibers. Mozzarella adds a calcium boost, important for bone health.

Possible variations:
- Replace mozzarella with goat cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Add olives or mushrooms for an extra kick.
- Instead of tomato paste, you can use pesto for a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast (about 3 g), but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store the pizza for the next day?
Pizza stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. What drinks pair well with this pizza?
A vegetable pizza pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade.

This spring vegetable and mozzarella pizza is an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a party with friends, it is guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy!