Garlic Crust Vegetable Pizza Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Crust Vegetable Pizza offers a delightful twist on the traditional pizza by infusing the dough with the rich and aromatic flavor of garlic. Perfect for pizza lovers who crave a garlic-infused crust topped with colorful vegetables and melty mozzarella cheese, this recipe is an ideal option for dinner, especially when paired with savory pasta dishes or a sweet dessert. Let’s explore how to make this delicious pizza from scratch, starting with the dough preparation, which takes a little time for fermentation but rewards you with a soft, flavorful crust.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 500 grams |
| Active Dry Yeast | 5 grams |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 ½ cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 8 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | ½ tablespoon |
| Red Chili Flakes | ½ tablespoon |
| Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 200 grams |
| Onions (sliced) | ½ cup |
| Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers | ½ cup |
| Baby Corn (sliced) | ¼ cup |
| Black Olives | ¼ cup |
| Button Mushrooms (sliced) | ½ cup |
| Dried Oregano (for sprinkling) | As required |
| Red Chili Flakes (for sprinkling) | As required |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Calcium | 260 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Preparation Steps
Dough Preparation
-
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix 5 grams of active dry yeast with 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir it gently and set it aside for 10-15 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom and activate. The mixture should become frothy. -
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of all-purpose flour, 8 finely chopped garlic cloves, ½ tablespoon dried oregano, and ½ tablespoon red chili flakes. Mix everything together thoroughly. -
Kneading the Dough:
Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, stirring constantly. As the dough begins to form, add water slowly if needed. Knead the dough until it is soft and elastic, which should take about 8-10 minutes. -
First Fermentation:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or lid and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the dough to relax and absorb the flavors of garlic and herbs. -
Add Olive Oil and Knead:
After the resting time, add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the dough and knead for another 2-3 minutes. Let the dough ferment for 3-4 hours in a warm spot, covered with a lid or damp cloth. You will notice the dough doubling in size after fermentation.
Assembling the Pizza
-
Shape the Dough:
After 3-4 hours, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes. On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a round pizza base (about 10-12 inches in diameter). -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Ensure the oven is fully heated before baking the pizza to get the perfect crust. -
Prepare the Topping:
Spread 2 tablespoons of homemade pizza and pasta sauce evenly across the pizza base, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges. Sprinkle 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. -
Add the Vegetables:
Arrange the sliced vegetables (onions, bell peppers, baby corn, mushrooms, and black olives) on top of the cheese. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference. -
Final Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle some more mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables for extra cheesiness. If desired, you can also add some extra oregano and red chili flakes to boost the flavor.
Baking the Pizza
-
First Bake at 200°C:
Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven at 200°C for about 10 minutes. This allows the dough to cook evenly and the cheese to start melting. -
Increase Temperature to 220°C:
After 10 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and bake for another 6-8 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted, and the crust will become slightly golden and crispy at the edges. -
Check for Doneness:
Remove the pizza from the oven and check if the crust is soft yet cooked through, and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Garlic Crust Vegetable Pizza into wedges and serve hot. For a complete meal, pair this pizza with a side of Burnt Garlic Pasta With Mushroom or enjoy a delightful dessert like Caramel Apple Trifle to end the dinner on a sweet note.
Tips and Variations
-
Herbed Butter Crust: For added flavor, brush the pizza crust with a mixture of melted butter and garlic before baking. This will make the crust extra flavorful and slightly crispy.
-
Customize the Toppings: You can easily swap the vegetables according to the season or your preferences. Other great options include zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
-
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, add jalapenos or more chili flakes to the toppings for a heat kick.
-
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free pizza flour blend available in stores.
This Garlic Crust Vegetable Pizza is an absolute hit with its robust garlic-infused dough and a topping of fresh, colorful vegetables that add both taste and texture. The extended fermentation time makes the crust soft and chewy while also bringing out a rich depth of flavor. The versatility of this pizza allows you to customize it based on what you have in your fridge or the mood of the day, making it a perfect dinner choice.
