Inspired by: @aledece
Craving a delicious pizza night that’s both homemade and entirely plant-based? Look no further! This incredible recipe, inspired by a user review on abillion, brings the authentic taste of Italian pizza right to your kitchen. Perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or simply satisfying your pizza craving, this recipe features a unique rustic semolina crust that's surprisingly easy to make.
Forget soggy, store-bought crusts and bland toppings. We'll guide you through creating a flavorful dough and loading it with vibrant vegetables and savory vegan delights like plant-based würstel and melty vegan mozzarella. It's an ideal solution for anyone seeking a dairy-free, egg-free, and meat-free pizza option without compromising on taste or texture. Get ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones with this truly satisfying homemade vegan pizza!
What makes this pizza special?
The secret to this pizza’s unique character lies in its dough, made with semolina flour. This gives the crust a delightful rustic texture and a slightly richer, more nuanced flavor compared to standard white flour. Combined with a blend of fresh, colorful vegetables and gourmet vegan toppings, it creates a pizza that’s not just good, but "Soooo good!" as aledece puts it!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Semolina flour
- Yeast
- Water (ensure it's lukewarm for yeast activation)
- Salt
- A little extra virgin olive oil
For the Toppings:
- Fresh bell peppers (sliced, any color you like!)
- Vegan würstel (such as Marascio brand)
- Black olives (pitted and sliced)
- Yellow and red cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Vegan mozzarella (Verys brand recommended by the original author for a great melt!)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Rolling pin (optional, you can also press dough by hand)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Add semolina flour, salt, and extra virgin olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually 450-500°F or 230-260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Preheating the stone/sheet is key for a crispy crust!
- Shape the Pizza: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll or press it into your desired pizza shape and thickness.
- Add Toppings: Carefully transfer the shaped dough to parchment paper (for easy transfer to the hot stone/sheet). Spread your favorite tomato sauce (not included in original recipe but highly recommended!), then layer with vegan mozzarella, sliced peppers, vegan würstel, black olives, and cherry tomatoes.
- Bake: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the vegan mozzarella is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and enjoy your delicious homemade vegan pizza!
Variations and Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: While this recipe uses semolina, you can adapt it by using a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for pizza dough.
- Topping Creativity: Explore other vegan toppings like mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of vegan pesto after baking.
- Mini Pizzas: Divide the dough into smaller portions to make individual pizzas, perfect for a fun family activity or party appetizers.
- Different Vegan Cheeses: Experiment with various vegan cheese brands beyond Verys to find your favorite melt and flavor.
Tips & Hacks for the Perfect Vegan Pizza
- Hot Oven is Key: A very hot oven ensures a quick bake and a crispy crust, mimicking traditional pizza ovens.
- Don't Overload: While it's tempting, too many toppings can make your pizza soggy. Keep layers relatively thin for optimal cooking.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients truly elevates the flavor of your pizza.
- Consider a Pizza Stone/Steel: If you make pizza often, investing in a pizza stone or steel will significantly improve your crust's crispness.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.
Images:
Related Articles
- Want more easy vegan meal ideas? Check out our Quick & Easy Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe!
- Explore another delicious homemade option with this Easy Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta.
- If you love a good crust, try our Cauliflower Pizza Recipe for a different take!
- Discover more ways to cook with plant-based ingredients in our Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal).
Ready to try this amazing homemade vegan pizza? Share your creations and let us know what you think on abillion! We love seeing your delicious plant-based meals.
