Vegetarian Pizza
This delicious vegetarian pizza, topped with sautéed eggplant, fresh spinach, artichokes, and olives, is a must-try for any pizza lover. Not only is it loaded with nutrients, but it also highlights the natural flavors of a great crust and melty cheese, free from heavy toppings. Perfect for a healthy dinner or lunch, this pizza allows each ingredient’s flavors to shine through in every bite.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 0.5 cup Pizzaioli tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup cooked spinach
- 12 slices Japanese eggplant, sautéd in olive oil
- 0.5 cup mozzarella, grated
- 1 roasted red bell pepper, peeled, seeded and cut into 4 small pieces
- 6 artichoke heart quarters, marinated in oil and drained
- 3 black pitted olives, split in half
- 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F. Place the pizza dough circle on a baking sheet dusted with flour and spoon tomato sauce onto the dough, spreading it up to the rim.
- Garnish with the spinach all over, arrange the sauté eggplant slices and scatter mozzarella over. Add the bell pepper, artichokes, and black olives. Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Season with freshly ground pepper and drizzle olive oil over the pizza. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips for Vegetarian Pizza
- Crispier Crust: Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to achieve a crispy crust. This helps draw out moisture from the dough, allowing it to bake evenly and thoroughly. For the perfect dough, try our Pizza Dough Recipe.
- Vegetable Prep: Be sure to pat dry the spinach, artichokes, and olives before adding them to the pizza. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy, so drying them helps retain that crisp texture.
- Layering Technique: Place heavier toppings like eggplant and artichokes directly on the sauce layer. This lets their flavors meld into the pizza while keeping the cheese layer balanced and even.
- Cheese Variety: Use both mozzarella and Parmesan for more flavor depth. Mozzarella melts perfectly, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish to each bite.
- Seasoning: Add fresh basil, oregano, or a pinch of sea salt after baking for an aromatic lift and a touch of fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Customizable Toppings: Experiment with toppings! Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic for extra layers of flavor and to personalize your pizza.
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