Pizza

Delicious Vegetable and Cheese Pizza Recipe

If you're looking for a pizza recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring your family and friends together, you've come to the right place! This delicious pizza recipe, with a slightly risen dough and filled with fresh vegetables and cheese, is not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile. Whether you want to relax at home on a weekend evening or host a party, this pizza will surely be a hit.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 5

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 450 grams of flour
- 250 ml warm milk (not hot)
- 4 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small cube of fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 80 ml olive oil

For the filling:
- 1 glass of concentrated tomato sauce
- 1 medium can of corn
- 1 jar of mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced thin)
- 100 grams of olives (green and black, to taste)
- Small cubes of feta cheese
- 150 grams of grated cheese
- Oregano, basil, and thyme (to taste)
- 150 grams of salami or ham (optional)
- 1 onion (sliced thin)

The story behind the recipe

Pizza is a dish that has traveled around the world, being adopted and adapted in numerous cultures. Its origins lie in Italy, but today pizza is a symbol of family gatherings and evenings spent with friends. This recipe you will prepare is a simplified version, yet full of flavors and tastes, that will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation

1. Preparing the sauce: Start by heating 80 ml of olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add the glass of tomato sauce, oregano, thyme, and basil to taste. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. This will add a deep and delicious flavor to your pizza.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the cube of yeast with a little warm milk and add a teaspoon of sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of flour from the total used. Mix well and let it rise for 5-10 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy dough.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, the rest of the milk, and the oil at room temperature. Knead the dough well for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step will help develop the gluten, giving the dough texture and structure.

4. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. You will notice how it doubles in volume, becoming fluffy.

5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, I recommend kneading it a little to release the air. Then, roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a thickness of about 0.5 cm. You can choose to make two round pizzas or one large pizza in a baking tray. Make sure the dough is evenly rolled out.

6. Assembling the pizza: Spread the dough with the prepared tomato sauce. Arrange the sliced vegetables, corn, mushrooms, and olives on top of the pizza. Add the feta cheese cubes and generously sprinkle grated cheese on top. If desired, you can also add slices of salami or ham for extra flavor.

7. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and becomes slightly browned.

8. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve it warm, alongside ketchup or chili sauce, if you like. This pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a refreshing drink.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for a better taste. If you have seasonal vegetables, feel free to add them to the filling. You can experiment with different types of cheese or add fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
- Other combinations: You can try unique combinations, such as pineapple with ham or tuna with olives. The imagination is the limit!
- Calories and nutrients: Each serving of pizza contains approximately 350-400 calories, and the ingredients used are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, thanks to the vegetables. Cheese adds calcium and protein, and whole grain flour can add more fiber if you choose it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough. It may require a little more liquid, so adjust the milk accordingly.

How can I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

What drinks pair well with pizza?
Pizza pairs very well with soft drinks, beer, or light wines, such as a dry white wine.

In conclusion, this vegetable and cheese pizza recipe can easily become your favorite and that of your loved ones. With every bite, you will feel the joy of spending time in the kitchen, creating something delicious. So put on your chef's gloves, turn on the music, and let yourself be carried away by the aroma of cooking!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for 5 people - 450 grams of flour - 250 ml of milk - 4 tablespoons of oil - 1 teaspoon of sugar - 1 small cube of yeast - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1 glass of concentrated broth - 1 medium can of corn - 80 ml of olive oil - 1 jar of mushrooms - 1 suitable yellow bell pepper - 1 suitable red bell pepper - 1 suitable green bell pepper - 100 grams of olives (I used both green and black) - Small cubes of telemea cheese - Grated cheese - Oregano - Basil - Thyme - Salami - Ham - 1 onion