Healthy Whole Wheat Pizza with Zucchini and Basil Sauce

Whole Wheat Crust Pizza with Zucchini and Basil Sauce

Making Whole Wheat Crust Pizza with Zucchini and Basil Sauce is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a healthy, homemade pizza. This recipe features a wholesome whole wheat crust, paired with a savory basil sauce and topped with fresh zucchini, onions, and gooey mozzarella cheese. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize the toppings according to your preferences, adding other vegetables, meats, or herbs to suit your taste. It’s a great meal for any family, and your kids will love joining in on the fun of making this pizza together!

Cuisine: Italian Recipes

Course: Dinner

Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

Preparation Time: 2 hours

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

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   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, active dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water and knead the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more warm water.
   • Add the olive oil and continue kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic.
   • Use a pastry scraper to remove any dough that sticks to the surface and your hands.
   • Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with olive oil. Cover the bowl with oiled plastic wrap, then place a clean kitchen towel over the top.
   • Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Grill the Vegetables:

   • While the dough rises, heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it.
   • Add the zucchini and onion slices and grill them for 4-5 minutes until they soften and develop light grill marks. Set aside to cool.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F).

4. Shape the Dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a bit to get rid of any remaining air pockets.
   • Using your hands, stretch the dough into a pizza shape. You can create a round or rectangular pizza, depending on your preference.
   • If desired, shape the edges to form a crust or leave them flat.

5. Prepare the Pizza Base:

   • Place the stretched dough onto a prepared pizza stone or a baking tray.
   • Brush the inside of the pizza circle (leaving about a 1-inch rim) with extra olive oil. Prick the oiled section of the dough all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
   • Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the oiled dough for added flavor.

6. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Spread a layer of tomato basil pasta sauce evenly over the dough, covering the area that is not part of the crust.
   • Arrange the grilled zucchini and onions over the sauce, then sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake the Pizza:

   • Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

8. Serve:

   • Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
   • Serve the Whole Wheat Crust Pizza with Zucchini and Basil Sauce as a wholesome weeknight dinner, paired with a light salad or a hearty soup like the Grilled Winter Vegetable Salad or Light and Healthy Spinach Soup.

Tips and Variations:

• Toppings: Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Dough: For a thicker crust, let the dough rise for a little longer, or roll it out a bit thinner for a crispier base.
• Cheese: For a dairy-free option, swap the mozzarella cheese for a plant-based cheese substitute.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g

This healthy, homemade pizza offers a wholesome, vegetarian meal that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week!