Step 2: Bring It All Together

Once the yeast is foamy, add the salt and olive oil to the bowl. Gradually start adding the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead Your Way to Deliciousness

Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and begin kneading. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over and turn it. Continue kneading for 6-8 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It should spring back slightly when you poke it. Don’t be afraid to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try to avoid adding too much, as it can make the crust tough.

Step 4: Let It Rise and Shine!

Lightly grease the same large bowl with olive oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, and our dough gets that lovely airy texture.

Step 5: Prep Your Healthy Pizza Sauce

While the dough is rising, let’s whip up a quick and flavorful tomato sauce. Skip the sugary store-bought versions – homemade is where it’s at!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon dried basil

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Get Your Veggie Power On!

Now for the fun part – choosing our healthy and delicious toppings! Get creative and use whatever veggies you have on hand. Here are some of our favorites:

• Bell peppers: Sliced thinly for a sweet crunch.

• Red onion: Adds a bit of zesty flavor.

• Mushrooms: Earthy and satisfying.

• Spinach: Tossed on at the end for a boost of nutrients.

• Broccoli florets: Lightly steamed or roasted for tenderness.

• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness.

• Zucchini or yellow squash: Thinly sliced.

• Olives: For a briny kick.

• Fresh herbs: Basil, oregano, or rosemary add a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Wash and chop all your chosen veggies into bite-sized pieces. Remember, the thinner you slice them, the better they’ll cook on the pizza.

Step 7: Shape Your Masterpiece!

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. You can either divide the dough in half for two smaller pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza.

To shape the dough, you can use your hands to gently stretch it into a circle or use a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch. If you’re making two smaller pizzas, transfer each dough round to a lightly floured baking sheet or pizza stone. For one large pizza, you can either use a large baking sheet or a pizza stone.

Chef’s Tip: If you want a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Sauce It Up!

Spread a generous layer of your homemade tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Don’t go too heavy on the sauce, or it might make the crust soggy.

Step 9: Cheese, Please! (The Healthy Way)

Now for the cheesy goodness! While traditional pizza often calls for heaps of full-fat mozzarella, we’re going for a slightly lighter approach without sacrificing flavor. Here are some healthier cheese options:

• Part-skim mozzarella: Still melts beautifully but with fewer calories and fat.

• Fresh mozzarella: Has a wonderful milky flavor and softer texture. Use it sparingly.

• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch. A little goes a long way.

• Nutritional yeast: For a vegan option, sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Sprinkle your chosen cheese evenly over the tomato sauce. Don’t overload it – a moderate amount will still give you that satisfying cheesy pull.

Step 10: Pile on the Veggie Goodness!

Now comes the fun part – arranging your beautiful and healthy toppings! Get creative with how you layer them. You can create patterns or simply scatter them evenly over the cheese.

Tips for Topping:

• Don’t overcrowd the pizza, or it might not cook evenly and the crust could become soggy.

• If using watery vegetables like mushrooms, you can sauté them lightly beforehand to release some of their moisture.

• Save delicate toppings like fresh spinach or herbs for the last few minutes of baking or add them after the pizza comes out of the oven.

Step 11: Bake It to Perfection!

Preheat your oven to a blazing 450°F (232°C). Once the oven is hot, carefully transfer your pizza (on the baking sheet or pizza stone) into the oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust.

Step 12: Slice, Serve, and Savor!

Once your pizza is beautifully golden and bubbly, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, if desired.

Now, take a big, satisfying bite of your healthy homemade pizza. Hear that crispy crust? Taste those vibrant veggies and that flavorful sauce? You did that! And you can feel good knowing you’re enjoying a delicious meal that’s packed with wholesome ingredients.

Tips and Variations for Your Healthy Pizza:

• Get creative with the crust: Experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or oregano to your dough for extra flavor. You can also try using a portion of other whole grains like spelt flour.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on your pizza before baking for a little heat.

• Protein power: If you want to add some protein, consider adding grilled chicken, lean ground turkey, or chickpeas as toppings.

• Vegan pizza: Skip the cheese or use a vegan mozzarella alternative. Load up on the veggies and nutritional yeast for a flavorful and satisfying vegan pizza.

• Individual pizzas: Divide the dough into smaller portions to make individual pizzas – perfect for a fun family activity or portion control.

• Leftovers: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for the best results.

Why This Pizza is a Winner:

• • Wholesome ingredients: We’re using whole wheat flour for the crust, a homemade sauce without added sugars, and plenty of fresh vegetables.

  • Lower in calories and fat: By making our own dough and being mindful of our cheese and topping choices, we’re creating a pizza that’s significantly lighter than traditional takeout.

  • Packed with nutrients: Whole grains and a variety of colorful vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are good for your body.

  • Fun to make: Getting your hands in the dough and creating your own pizza masterpiece is a rewarding experience for everyone.

  • Seriously delicious: Most importantly, this pizza tastes amazing! You won’t even miss the greasy, unhealthy versions.

So there you have it! Our step-by-step guide to making a healthy and delicious homemade pizza. We hope you have as much fun making and eating it as we do. Don’t forget to share your own creative topping combinations in the comments below – we’d love to hear what you come up with!

Happy pizza making!