The Truth About Pizza

So, I really don't like it when people miss out on something great because they are believing something that isn't true.  I really don't like when I am one of those people either.  When we started focusing on eating better and learning more about how to live a healthy lifestyle, I thought pizza was a joy of the past.  After all, so many people say that pizza is a junk food.  Pizza is not "good for you."  Well in usual fashion, I like to defy those socially accepted mantras and find a better way.  I thought you might enjoy one of the many samplings of great and healthy pizzas we love to make here in our home.  I do love pizza, and I love this one!

Crust:

2 cups of whole wheat flour
2 tspns of baking soda
2 T vital wheat gluten (helps with elasticity)
1 tspn of sea salt
2/3 cup of purified water
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tspn of dried thyme
1 tspn of dried rosemary
1 tspn of dried basil

Mix dry ingredients together well.  Then add water and oil.  The dough shouldn't be too wet, so if it is then just add a little more flour.  It should not stick to the side of the mixing bowl.  Mix well until thoroughly kneaded together.  It's easiest if you have a stand mixer to knead the dough for you, but if you don't just use your hands.  Roll dough out on a 14 inch (diameter) pizza pan that has been prepared.  I like to use unrefined coconut oil to grease the pan, but you use what you are used to using.  After the pan is rolled out, fold one half over and sprinkle some yellow corn meal on the pan.  Press the half back down on the pan, and then do the same thing with the other side.  This is for fun really, so no sweat if you don't have yellow corn meal.  It does add to the flavor and the texture.  Poke some holes in the dough gently with a fork, and set aside.

Topping:

3-4 yukon potatoes, sliced thinly
1 cup of broccoli, chopped
1 cup of zucchini, sliced and chopped
1/2 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup of onions, sliced and chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
2/3 cup of tomato sauce (I always look at ingredients to find one with no added sweetener)
2 pinches of sea salt
2 pinches of black pepper
2 pinches of dried thyme
2 T of extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Slice and/or chop all of the veggies accordingly.  Gently spread the tomato sauce over the crust evenly.  Place the broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and garlic on the crust evenly.  In a separate bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil.  Then place them over the top of the veggies to cover all of the veggies (like cheese would).  Season the top with the sea salt, pepper, and thyme.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing, and enjoy!

You have whole grains in the crust, good fats in the olive oil, all the goodness of these veggies and tomato, and the yumminess to make you love pizza night.  Plus this is a cholesterol free pizza, just in case that is helpful for you.  I always recommend buying all natural and even organic ingredients whenever possible.  This makes your food much healthier for you.  There are many ways to do this cost effectively, as well, with sales and coupons.  Now more than ever it is very doable. 

You see?  Pizza can be healthy, fun, and easy to make yourself.  The measurements for the toppings don't have to be exact, and you can certainly load it up like I do!  I hope you enjoy this favorite pizza of ours!