Healthier Pizza

In my attempt to make healthier choices I decided to satisfy my craving for pizza by making a healthier pizza. I made two different pizzas with different dough recipes for the crust and different methods for topping the pizza. 

For the sauce I used a can of tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce seasoned with a teaspoon of sugar, and lots of oregano, basil, and garlic power. 

For the first pizza I used Jay’s Pizza Crust recipe from allrecipes.com. You can find the ingredients and directions at: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/jays-signature-pizza-crust/detail.aspx

 

To layer the pizza I put a layer of sauce down, then a layer of green onions, garlic, green peppers, and yellow onions. I topped that with a layer of spinach, low fat mozzarella cheese, and turkey pepperonis. It was delicious except I felt like I didn’t have enough veggies on the pizza.

For my second pizza I used a thinner crust recipe. I also added two layers of veggies and sauce. Then I again topped it with mozzarella and turkey pepperonis.  This plan may have had a little too much veggie action which isn’t a real problem because I love veggies!!  It’s all about trial and error.  

 










Pizza dough number 2 from http://kitchensimplicity.com/thin-crust-pizza-dough/

Thin Crust Pizza Dough

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1.5 tsp. yeast
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3-4 cups flour

1. Stir together water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over top. Let proof for 10 min.
2. Stir in oil, salt, vinegar and 2 cups flour until well incorporated.
3. Add additional flour and knead until pliable and  barely sticky.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
5. Once doubled. Punch down and divide into two portions.
6. Roll and stretch each piece of dough to cover a large un-greased baking sheet. Cover with pizza sauce and toppings of choice.
7. Bake at 500ºF for 10-12 min. until browned and bubbly.

My new favorite pizza topping is turkey pepperoni!!!