Vegan pizza with tofu

Vegan Pizza with Tofu – A Delicious and Healthy Choice

Who can resist a slice of pizza? You might have a crazy craving for pizza, but you know your mom is fasting. How about treating her to a tasty and filling vegan pizza? This vegan pizza recipe with tofu is perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to offer your loved ones a healthy and flavorful alternative.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of vegan pizza is quite interesting, given that pizza is a versatile dish that can be adapted to various diets and dietary requirements. Thus, vegan pizza has become a popular choice, offering a balanced combination of ingredients to satisfy cravings without violating the principles of a vegan or fasting diet.

Ingredients for the dough (for two crusts):
- 400 g of white flour (preferably type 650 for a finer texture)
- 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for added flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 1/2 cup of warm mineral water (for a fluffy dough)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 small bowl of canned mushrooms (about 200 g)
- 100 g of green or black olives, sliced
- 150 g of pepper tofu (or plain tofu, if you prefer)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 green onion stalks, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1/2 cup of water (to dilute the tomato paste)
- Dried basil (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Make sure you have everything on hand so that the cooking process is as smooth as possible. If you love cooking, it's always a good idea to organize your kitchen before you start.

2. Preparing the dough: In a small pot, heat the mineral water until it is warm (not hot, as it will kill the yeast). In a bowl, mix the fresh yeast with the sugar and a tablespoon of the warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

3. In another bowl, place the sifted flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast, olive oil, and a little of the mineral water. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough becomes smooth and non-sticky.

4. Then, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: wash the mushrooms, wipe them with a kitchen towel, and slice them. You can slice the olives or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Drain the tofu and cut it into cubes. Wash and finely chop the green onions, and slice the tomato.

6. Prepare the sauce: in a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with the two tablespoons of water and a little dried basil. This will add a delicious flavor to your pizza.

7. Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out one half of the dough with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet.

8. Prepare a round baking tray (preferably 30 cm in diameter). Grease the tray with margarine or olive oil and line it with baking paper. Place the crust in the tray, pricking it with a fork in several places to prevent air bubbles from forming.

9. Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza crust, then add the tofu cubes, mushroom slices, olives, green onions, and tomato slices. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly to achieve a balanced taste in every bite.

10. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during this time will be irresistible!

11. Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the tofu cheese to become firmer and easier to cut.

12. Cut the pizza into slices and serve it warm. You can garnish it with a little fresh basil or oregano for a more sophisticated look and taste.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have pepper tofu on hand, you can use plain tofu and add spices to taste, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, to give it more flavor.
- I recommend using green olives, as they have a sweeter flavor and pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
- You can experiment by adding other vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These not only add color to the pizza but also a boost of nutrients.

Nutritional benefits:
Vegan pizza with tofu is a healthy choice, rich in plant-based proteins due to the tofu. Additionally, mushrooms are an excellent source of fiber, and olives provide healthy fats. This pizza is low in calories, having about 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the chosen ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I make the dough more flavorful?
Add spices to the dough, such as oregano or garlic powder, for a more intense flavor.

3. Can the pizza be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking it. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent excessive freezing.

This vegan pizza with tofu will not only satisfy your cravings but will also bring a touch of joy on fasting days. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that will surely be appreciated by the whole family. Enjoy!