Friday, November 5, 2010

Vegan MoFo 4

What's better on a weekend night with friends than a warm cheesey pizza?! The only problem is, there are (in most cities) no vegan pizza places. Not to worry, you can make your own and it will be a lot tastier than any delivery. After doing a little prep work with the dough, the rest of the pizza takes no time at all. Just add toppings and bake. Whole Wheat Pizza Dough:
1.5 cups warm (115degree) water
2 packets active dry yeast
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for bowl
2 T sugar
2 t coarse salt
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour

1. Place water in a large bowl; sprinkle with yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 min. Brush another large bowl with oil.
2. In bowl with yeast, whisk sugar, oil, and salt. Stir in flours with wooden spoon until sticky dough forms (I usually just use my hands at this point). Knead a couple of seconds into a ball. Transfer to oiled bowl; brush top of dough with oil.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let stand in a warm spot until dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Turn dough out onto a well floured surface. With floured hands, kneed until smooth, about 2-5 min. divide into 2 balls (the whole thing makes an XL pizza).

Baking:

Preheat oven to 450 F. Use a pizza pan or a large upside down cookie sheet and cover with oil. Roll out dough to desired size and thickness. Fill with desired toppings. Bake until crust is a golden brown; about 18-20 min.

My Vegan Fillings:
I usually chop up some fresh tomatoes and saute them with mushrooms, fresh herbs (basil and thyme), and onions. When that is the desired consistency I add it to the dough and then cover either in fresh goat cheese (I know, not vegan but I love it!) or vegan mozzarella. I think that's the only store bought vegan cheese I have liked so far that actually acts and tastes like real cheese. After the pizza is done I top with some more chopped fresh herbs and ENJOY!

WARNING! This pizza (because it's wheat) is VERY filling but you may find it hard to stop your self from eating 3 thick slices. Have fun making your own pizza :)

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