How to Make a Healthy Vegan Margherita Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust

Introduction:

Welcome to Healthy Bites! We're thrilled to share a scrumptious and nutritious vegan pizza recipe with you. In this article, we'll guide you through creating a mouthwatering Vegan Margherita Pizza that features a whole wheat crust – a wholesome twist to a beloved classic.

The Benefits of Whole Wheat:

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the goodness of using a whole wheat crust. Whole wheat is rich in fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestion, heart health, and weight management. By opting for whole wheat, you're making a smart choice for your overall well-being.

Vegan Margherita Pizza Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Whole Wheat Pizza Dough:

2 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup warm water

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves

Sliced tomatoes

Instructions:

Prepare the Whole Wheat Pizza Dough:

In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Prepare the Pizza Sauce:

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up.

Roll Out the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thin crust, roll it out thinner, or keep it thicker for a softer crust.

Assemble the Pizza:

Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or another baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves as the final layer.

Bake the Pizza:

Carefully slide the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese has melted.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the vegan Margherita pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven. Slice it into pieces and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and cruelty-free vegan pizza!

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've just created a delectable Vegan Margherita Pizza with a wholesome whole wheat crust. This vegan twist on a beloved classic proves that with a little creativity and mindful choices, you can enjoy your favorite foods guilt-free while nourishing your body and soul.