California Dream Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (250g / 8.8oz) 1 pizza dough (250g / 8.8oz)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (75g) sliced bell peppers 1/2 cup (75g) sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup (40g) sliced red onions 1/4 cup (40g) sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup (40g) sliced cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup (40g) sliced cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives 1/4 cup (30g) sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup (30g) sliced mushrooms 1/4 cup (30g) sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and mushrooms on top of the cheese.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the toppings.
8. 8.
   Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — For a charred and smoky flavor, you can grill the bell peppers before slicing and adding them to the pizza.
• Red onions — To mellow the sharpness of raw red onions, you can soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before slicing and using them as a topping.
• Cherry tomatoes — For a burst of sweetness, you can roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the pizza.
• Black olives — If you prefer a stronger olive flavor, you can use Kalamata olives instead of black olives.
• Mushrooms — To enhance the earthy flavor of mushrooms, sauté them in a little olive oil before adding them to the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties such as goat cheese or feta for a unique twist on the traditional mozzarella.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Add ingredients like sliced avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken for additional flavor and texture.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.

Serving advice

Serve the California Dream Pizza hot and fresh from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as part of a casual gathering. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, before serving. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to add a rustic touch to the presentation.