Vegan pizza

Lenten Pizza with Fresh Vegetables and Plant-Based Mozzarella

Who doesn’t love a delicious, warm pizza with colorful and flavorful toppings? This simple Lenten pizza recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a party with friends, or just a moment of culinary indulgence. We use accessible ingredients, and the result is a crispy pizza full of tastes and aromas.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4

The History of Pizza
Pizza has a fascinating history, being considered one of the most popular dishes worldwide. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when people baked bread on hot stones. However, pizza evolved into the form we know today in the 18th century when Italians in Naples began adding tomatoes and cheese to the bread dough. This version quickly became a favorite and was adopted by many cultures, each adding its own ingredients and styles.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 1 cup warm water (about 250 ml)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Flour (about 500 g, but adjust according to the dough consistency)

*For the filling:*
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes (or 200 g of tomato paste)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for color)
- 1 small onion
- 200 g mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 100 g olives (black or green, sliced)
- 150 g plant-based mozzarella (or another type of dairy-free cheese)
- Herbs: basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Dissolving the yeast
In a small bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Gently stir to dissolve the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble. This step is essential for your pizza to have a fluffy and airy texture.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and not sticky to your hands. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Letting it rise
Form a ball from the dough and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling ingredients. Mash the tomatoes with a fork or chop them into cubes, adding oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Slice the bell pepper and onion thinly and chop the mushrooms into cubes.

5. Shaping the pizza
Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and roll it out into a round shape about 1-1.5 cm thick. Place the crust in a greased and semolina-dusted baking tray to prevent sticking.

6. Adding the filling
Spread the tomato mixture over the pizza crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Top with the prepared vegetables, then add the olives.

7. Baking the pizza
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.

8. Adding the cheese
Once the pizza is nearly done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle plant-based mozzarella on top. Put the pizza back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.

9. Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it. Serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Practical Tips
- For an even crispier crust, you can use a pizza stone in the oven.
- If you have time, you can let the dough rise longer for an even better texture.
- Experiment with different vegetables or add marinated tofu for an extra protein boost.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package for proportions.

2. What other vegetables can I use?
You can use any favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or even artichokes.

3. How can I store leftover pizza?
Pizza stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it easily in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Benefits
This Lenten pizza is rich in vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat flour can be used for higher fiber content, and plant-based mozzarella is a healthier alternative with less cholesterol.

Serving Suggestions
This Lenten pizza pairs perfectly with a glass of freshly squeezed tomato juice or a cold lemonade. You can also accompany the pizza with a lightly dressed green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for an explosion of flavors.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe offers the opportunity to experiment and discover new tastes. So enjoy the cooking process and the final result! Bon appétit!