Vegan pizza

Lenten Pizza – A Veggie Delicacy for Everyone

Pizza is one of those dishes that unites people and cultures, with a long and varied history. From traditional Italian recipes to vegan versions, pizza has evolved and adapted to the tastes of each generation. Today, I present you with a delicious recipe for Lenten pizza that does not compromise on flavor and taste satisfaction. It is a simple, easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Rising time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 15 tablespoons warm water
- 15 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- 1/2 packet of fresh yeast (25g)
- 300-500 grams of flour (type 000 or 550, depending on preference)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bell pepper (green or red)
- 1 can of mushrooms (approximately 250g)
- 200 grams of corn (canned or boiled)
- 200 grams of olives (preferably pitted)
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 onion (optional)
- Fresh dill (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the warm water, oil, yeast, and salt. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. This step is crucial, as activating the yeast will ensure a fluffy and airy pizza.

2. Adding the Flour:
Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously with a wooden spoon or your hands. The dough should become homogeneous and easy to knead. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If you've added the entire amount of flour and the dough is still sticky, you can add a little more.

3. Rising the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and delicious pizza.

4. Preparing the Toppings:
While the dough is rising, prepare the topping ingredients. Peel the carrot and grate it. Slice the bell pepper thinly, chop the mushrooms, slice the tomatoes into rounds, and slice the onion (if you choose to use it). This will give your pizza a colorful and appetizing look.

5. Assembling the Pizza:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking. Take the risen dough and roll it out with a long glass (or a rolling pin) so that it fits perfectly in the size of the tray.

6. Adding the Toppings:
Place the grated carrot, bell pepper, mushrooms, olives, corn, onion, and tomatoes on the dough in the desired order. You can add chopped fresh dill for an extra flavor boost.

7. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pizza for 40 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy. Soon, the aroma will start to fill your home and make your mouth water!

8. Serving:
Once the pizza is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting it. You can serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a plant-based yogurt sauce for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical Tips
- Choosing the flour: Type 000 flour is ideal for pizza dough, as it provides a fine texture and elasticity. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will require more water.
- Toppings: You can customize the toppings according to your preferences. Add green or black olives, hot peppers, zucchini, or even pineapple for an interesting flavor.
- Storage: Lenten pizza keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispness.

Nutritional Benefits
Lenten pizza is not only delicious but also healthy. It is packed with vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, while the whole wheat flour dough can provide fiber and protein. This recipe can be an excellent choice for vegans or those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast. Use about 7-10 grams of dry yeast and mix it with the flour before adding the other ingredients.
- How can I make the pizza crispier? If you want a crispier crust, you can bake the pizza at a higher temperature or use a pizza stone to distribute the heat evenly.
- What drinks pair well with Lenten pizza? A craft beer, a dry white wine, or a natural tomato juice are excellent choices to accompany this pizza.

Personal Note
I discovered this Lenten pizza recipe on a quiet evening when I was looking for a quick and healthy meal. Since then, I have started personalizing it with different toppings, and it has become a family favorite. I hope you find inspiration in this recipe to create memorable moments around the table!

Enjoy every bite of this Lenten pizza and don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients!