Vegetariana Topped Pizza Recipe for 6 Portions

This recipe features a delicious combination of red onion, mushrooms, roasted peppers, and artichoke on a crisp pizza base. With a balance of savory vegetables and gooey cheese, this pizza is perfect for vegetarians and pizza lovers alike.

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Equipment Needed:

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Rolling pin
4. Pizza stone or baking tray
5. Pizza peel (optional)
6. Oven
7. Parchment paper
8. Chef’s knife and cutting board
9. Sauté pan
10. Spoon or ladle
11. Brush (for oil)

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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 1 packet (7g or 2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 300ml (1 ¼ cup) warm water (45°C or 110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

For the Topping:

• 150g (1 cup) red onion, thinly sliced
• 200g (2 cups) mushrooms, sliced
• 150g (1 cup) roasted red peppers, sliced
• 100g (1 cup) artichoke hearts, quartered
• 200g (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 100g (1 cup) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Preparation and Cooking Times:

• Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough rising)
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Gradually mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a touch more water.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

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Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

1. Sauté the Vegetables: While the dough is rising, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Roast the Peppers: If using fresh peppers, roast them directly over a gas flame or in the oven until the skins char and blister. Place them in a sealed container for 10 minutes, then peel off the skin and slice them thinly. You can also use jarred roasted peppers to save time.
3. Prepare the Artichokes: Drain and quarter canned or jarred artichoke hearts. Set them aside for topping.

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Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°C (475°F). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. This ensures the base will cook evenly and crisply.
2. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 smaller portions, depending on the desired size of your pizzas (for 6 portions, 2 large pizzas or 3 medium pizzas work well).
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to your desired thickness. For a thinner crust, roll it out to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm); for a thicker crust, ½ inch (1.2 cm).

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Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Add Tomato Sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each pizza base using a spoon or ladle, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
2. Add Cheese and Vegetables: Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato sauce. Evenly distribute the sautéed red onions, mushrooms, roasted peppers, and artichoke hearts across the pizzas.
3. Season and Drizzle: Sprinkle the pizzas with dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the toppings to enhance the flavor.

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Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer to the Oven: If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza to the hot stone using a pizza peel or the back of a baking tray. If using a regular baking tray, simply place the tray in the oven.
2. Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the pizza, especially in the last few minutes of baking, to prevent burning. If needed, rotate the pizza halfway through for even cooking.

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Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Slice: Once the pizzas are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the pizzas into portions and serve hot.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)

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Tips for Success:

• Pizza Dough Variations: You can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
• Vegetable Prep: Make sure your vegetables are not too watery before topping the pizza, as excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
• Oven Temperature: Baking at a high temperature helps to achieve a crispy crust, but keep an eye on the pizza to avoid burning.

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Customizations:

• Additional Toppings: Add black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor.
• Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
• Herb Infusions: Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for added aroma and flavor.

This recipe is a versatile, healthy take on pizza, loaded with fresh vegetables and a balance of textures. Enjoy your homemade Vegetariana pizza!