Veggie Pizza

After contemplating it for several months, i finally gathered enough courage to venture into what can be considered "baking". Was looking for something simple to make for the evening, Khush was coming over for dinner. what could have been better than a pizza! Shaunak suggested the toppings and there i was...baking a pizza in my own humble kitchen!

Yields : 2 Large Pies

Ingredients:
For the dough -
2 c. Unbleached All-purpose Flour
1 Packet(4 oz.) Active Dry Yeast
1 Tbsp. Olive oil
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Sugar
Warm water as required.

Toppings:
1/4 c. Pitted Kalamata Olives sliced
1/2 c. Yellow Onions thinly sliced
1/2 c. Green Bell Peppers thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. Garlic Finely Chopped
1 Pound Mozzarella Cheese, thickly shredded


Sauce:
2 Medium Plum Tomatoes chopped
2 Tbsp. chopped Basil
1 Tbsp. minced Garlic
1/2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Sugar

Dough :
Put the yeast in 1/2 c. water until it has dissolved, leave untouched for 5-7 mins. Combine the flour, salt, oil, salt, sugar & dissolved yeast mixture in a food processor, pulse while adding little water at a time. Pulse until the mixture forms a soft elastic dough, do not over process. Take the dough out on a floured working surface, and knead for 2-3 mins. Oil the dough and place it in a big container for rising, cover the container with plastic wrap. Leave it to rise, until it doubles in size, for about 30-45 mins.

Sauce : Combine all ingredients in a blender/food processor. Make as chunky/smooth as per your liking.

Making the pizza:
Pre - heat oven at 500 degrees.

After the dough has doubled in size, remove from container onto a floured working surface and punch and knead for 10 mins. Make two portions. Roll dough(one portion at a time), until it is 1/8th of an inch in thickness(I used a rolling pin, but you can use your hands). Spread half of the sauce over the flattened dough, and spread each of the toppings equally. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the toppings. Repeat the process for the other portion of the dough.

Bake for 15-20 minutes at 500 degrees.

Enjoy with your favorite wine! Ours was a 2008 Sonoma, Robert Strong(Thanks Kristin!)

Shaunak and Khush loooovvved the pies, it was not bad for a first attempt. We spent rest of the evening chatting(late into the night), after a lovely meal...

More recipes later,
Dips.

P.S: I used an inverted baking tray for baking the pies, worked out great!