Homemade Garden Vegetable Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (150g) mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup (150g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (75g) bell peppers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) zucchini, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) eggplant, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) eggplant, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• 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 onto 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, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the chopped basil and dried oregano over the vegetables.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper.
9. 9.
   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.
10. 10.
    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 smoky flavor, you can roast the bell peppers before slicing and adding them to the pizza.
• Zucchini — To prevent the zucchini from releasing excess moisture, lightly salt the slices and let them sit for a few minutes before patting them dry.
• Eggplant — If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly sauté the eggplant slices in olive oil before placing them on 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 vegetable combinations based on seasonal availability.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil before adding the toppings.
• Feel free to customize the pizza with your favorite herbs and spices.

Serving advice

Serve the Garden Vegetable Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a casual gathering. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the pizza with a few fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the pizza even more enticing.