Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
A wholesome homemade pizza with a crispy yet soft whole wheat crust, tangy tomato sauce, and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. A healthier take on a family favorite that's perfect for a weekend dinner.
For 4 servings
Prepare the whole wheat pizza dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and 0.5 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1 tbsp olive oil, and the remaining warm water.
- Combine to form a shaggy dough. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the pizza sauce
- While the dough rises, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Add the minced garlic and chopped small onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they break down and become mushy.
- Stir in the dried oregano, red chili flakes, and 0.25 tsp salt. Cook for another minute.
- Let the sauce cool slightly, then blend to a smooth purée. Set aside.
Assemble the pizza
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking tray or pizza stone inside to heat up.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully place the rolled dough onto the preheated baking tray.
- Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the sliced bell pepper, onion, corn kernels, and black olives on top.
- Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
Bake the pizza
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a minute.
- Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- 2For a crispier crust, preheat your baking tray or pizza stone thoroughly before placing the dough on it.
- 3Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy.
- 4For extra flavor, you can brush the edges of the crust with a little olive oil before baking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the mozzarella cheese with your favorite brand of vegan shredded cheese.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer (cottage cheese) or firm tofu cubes along with the other vegetable toppings.
jainJain
Omit the onion and garlic from both the sauce and the toppings. You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the sauce for flavor.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, use a store-bought whole wheat pizza base and your favorite jarred pizza sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The whole wheat crust is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Vitamins
The variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes provides a good dose of vitamins A and C, which are important for immunity and skin health.
Source of Protein and Calcium
Mozzarella cheese contributes protein and calcium, which are essential for muscle function and strong bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy choice. The whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the vegetable toppings add essential vitamins and minerals. To keep it healthy, be mindful of the amount of cheese used.