Veggie Pizza

This week Ivan requested a veggie pizza for dinner one night. I thought it was an odd one since he hates when I suggest veggie pizza to share at restaurants. I didn't want to buy too much new stuff so I decided to top it with what I had. The only thing I really needed to buy was the crust, but I also decided to add mozzarella instead of the usual shredded cheese. It actually turned out great and even Alexander loved it. Yay! Although, as usual, he did just try to eat the toppings and not the crust. Since I make things up I really never have a recipe to go by later. For this reason I've tried to guess how much of everything I use and write it down. I only use recipes as a guide and go on the look of things (which is why I can't bake, I suppose), so even if I don't get things down exactly right it's good enough for me. I'm going to post this recipe in hopes that someone tries it and loves it. Here is a picture of the pizza right before it went in the oven:

Here's the recipe:

Veggie Pizza

Sauce

I prefer to make my own sauce, but store bought it fine. Here's what I used for this pizza:

1/4 c tomato sauce

1.5 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (if you don't have it mix together some of the following: oregano, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and basil)

Pizza

Crust (I prefer Boboli for ease, but also like Publix dough from the bakery)

1/3 c baby portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced

1/3 c kalamata olives, cut length wise in quarters

1/3 c red onion, thinly sliced 

1/2 small tomato, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp dried parsley (Fresh, if you have it. I love this stuff! Alternatively, you could use fresh basil.)

7-8 slices of mozzarella 

Preheat oven to 450° (or whatever your crust/dough calls for). Combine ingredients for sauce and spread on crust, leaving 1/2" border. Place vegetables and cheese on top (the above list is exactly how I placed mine). Bake for 13 minutes (or whatever the directions for your crust/dough say).

I thought I would need to saute the mushrooms and onions for this to be really good and was going to try it the next time we make the pizza; however, the veggies cooked perfectly. I may try to make a thicker sauce next time by adding a small amount of tomato paste, but we'll see if I remember. 

Here is the finished pizza:

Yum! If you try this and like it let me know and I may post my sloppy joe recipe. :-)

Remember to make this recipe, and any other, your own. I am a big believer in loving what you eat and savoring food and the company that comes with it. As Truett Cathy said, "Food is essential to life. Therefore, make it good." Enjoy!