Issue 1 – Summer
How to Make Mediterranean Style Pizza
TIP 1: When it comes to pizza, the cheese plays a crucial role. Many pizzas are so piled with cheese that you barely taste the toppings! It’s important to find a balance where the cheese enhances the flavors rather than overpowering them. It’s interesting to note that cheese serves as a structural component that holds everything together.
TIP 2: You can make your own vegan cheese or purchase it from the store. Thankfully, it’s become easier to find a packaged vegan shredded cheese at the store. If the price of packaged vegan cheese deters you, there’s a simple yet effective tip to achieve a cheese-like experience. Take a few tablespoons of vegan mayo, and mix in a little lemon juice and yeast flakes. Drizzle this mixture on your pizza. It gives the look of cheese and has a similar flavor profile!
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought pizza crust (check the label to ensure it’s vegan) or use recipe above.
- ½ cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (any variety you prefer)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, diced
- 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Artichoke hearts
- 1 cup vegan cheese (such as vegan mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese blend)
- Salt and dry oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1 – Preheat your oven to 500 degrees or according to the instructions if using pre-made crust. (See next page for making your own crust and do this step first)
2 – Roll out the prepared pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. 6oz is a good amount for a personal size pizza.
3 – Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone that has been sprinkled with cornmeal (to prevent sticking)
4 – Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5 – Distribute the toppings evenly over the sauce. Use more or less of each according to taste.