Recipe by: Shiruna from @eat.click.travel

Serving Size: This recipe makes 2 large pizzas, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

When it comes to comfort food, pizza is at the top of many lists—and for good reason! It’s flavorful, customizable, and can be made to suit any dietary preference. This Homemade Vegan Pizza is no exception, offering a plant-based twist on a classic Italian dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

The key to this recipe is the homemade crust, which is soft and pillowy on the inside, while crispy on the outside. The dough is made from scratch using basic ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and herbs, and it only takes about 30 minutes to rise, so you don’t have to wait forever to start enjoying your pizza.

The tomato sauce is simple yet bursting with flavor. It’s made from sautéed onions and garlic, combined with rich, ripe tomatoes, and seasoned with classic Italian herbs like oregano, paprika, and basil. The sauce is rich but not overpowering, creating the perfect base for your pizza.

When it comes to toppings, the beauty of pizza lies in its versatility. For this recipe, I’ve gone with a combination of fresh veggies—zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, and aubergine—that add both texture and flavor. The vegan mozzarella gives that perfect cheesy stretch and melt, while the roasted veggies provide a satisfying, savory balance. Of course, you can customize the toppings to your heart’s desire, whether you prefer more vegetables, some vegan sausage, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Once your pizza is assembled, it only takes about 15 minutes in the oven to bake until golden brown and bubbling. The result is a warm, crispy pizza that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends—or enjoying all to yourself!

Fun Fact About Pizza in Italian Cuisine: Pizza is one of the most iconic Italian dishes, and while many associate it with Naples, the birthplace of pizza, it has a rich history across Italy. The modern pizza, as we know it today, is believed to have originated in Naples in the late 1800s. Legend has it that Queen Margherita of Savoy inspired the creation of the famous Margherita pizza, which features the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). While Margherita remains a classic, pizza has evolved into countless variations, and with this vegan pizza, you can enjoy it just as much while embracing plant-based ingredients!

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 900g flour20g dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 1.5 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp dry oregano
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 450g water

For the sauce:

• 3 onions, finely chopped
• 7 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cans tomato blocks (1200g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1.5 tbsp paprika powder
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp basil

For toppings:

• Vegan mozzarella
• Paprika
• Zucchini, sliced
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Baby corn, sliced
• Olives
• Aubergine, sliced
• Onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, heat the water and sugar together, then add the dry yeast. Let it rest in a warm place for about 10 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, oregano, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and knead into a dough. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan, add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until soft. Add the tomato blocks, salt, paprika powder, oregano, black pepper, and basil. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Roll out the dough into your desired shape and place it on a baking tray. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base. Add a layer of vegan mozzarella, then top with sliced zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, olives, aubergine, and onions.
4. Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

This Homemade Vegan Pizza is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal with your loved ones. The fresh toppings, savory tomato sauce, and soft crust come together to create a pizza that’s both satisfying and full of authentic Italian flavors. Try making this today and share your creations with us on Instagram using #VegalianoEats!

Tip: Feel free to get creative with your pizza toppings! Try adding spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even vegan sausage for extra flavor. The beauty of homemade pizza is that you can top it however you like!