Do you want to learn how to make a healthy pizza at home? This whole-wheat pizza dough recipe will make your weekends more delightful. It’s almost an undeniable fact that pizza is a much-loved food by most people. Some have even gone as far as naming it ‘the food of the gods.’ I mean let’s face it, what’s there no to love, it tastes amazing, it’s convenient, and it’s definitely budget-friendly. No doubt my family and I have pizza at least once a week. The truth is, as delicious as pizza is, many people still shy away from it on the basis of it being unhealthy. Well, this might be the case if taking into consideration, some of the trans-fat found in some frozen variety. However, pizzas can be quite healthy and good for you. Here’s the secret recipe for preparing a healthy pizza crust, toppings, and sauce all from scratch.
So, Here’s The Recipe To Make A Healthy Pizza At Home
Healthy Pizza Crust
Instead of using the usual white flour crust, make your own healthy whole wheat pizza crust which is high in fiber and protein using this simple recipe:
Yields 2 pounds of dough
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 4 packs of quick-rising yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 cup of hot water ( best temperature 120-130°F)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin oil
Method:
- In a food processor, combine, the all-purpose flour, wheat flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gently pulse to mix.
- Gently mix the hot water and oil in a cup and add to the processor carefully as the motor continues to run. Keep pouring the liquid until the mixture becomes a sticky ball.
- This should make the dough quite soft, but if you find that it’s still hard, add 1 or 2 tbsp of warm water. Knead for 1 minute and place on a lightly floured board.
- Cover dough with a plastic wrap in a bowl lightly sprayed with oil. Leave for 20-40 minutes before rolling and using.
- If you need to use though in a recipe that requires half batch, wrap the remaining dough in a freezer bag. You can freeze for up to 3 months.
Healthy Cauliflower Pizza Base
For those of you really looking to stay off the carbs, this delicious, healthy cauliflower pizza base which is full of anti-oxidants is a great alternative.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic plain yogurt
- 3 cups grated cauliflower (1 medium cauliflower)
- 2 eggs
- Sea salt
- 1 teaspoon basil or oregano (Italian seasoning)
Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Squeeze out all the moisture from the cauliflower using a thin dish towel or cheesecloth.
- Add the cauliflower, eggs, yogurt, and spices in a bowl and gently mix until it is evenly combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread out the dough with hands until a crust of 3-4 inches thick is formed
- Fill the dough with any toppings of your choice and cook.
Healthy Pizza Sauce
1. Tomato sauce
Tomato sauces are the classic and most preferred option when it comes to pizza sauces. Instead of settling for the shop-bought a variety, here is a recipe to make your own delicious, antioxidant-filled tomato pizza sauce.
Ingredient:
- 4 very soft Roma tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin oil
- 3 small garlic
- 1 small carrot
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 small celery stalk
- 1/2 cup fresh basil to garnish
Method:
- Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Make a small cut at the bottom of each tomato and boil for 20 seconds. Remove and rinse under cold water this should make it easy for you to peel the skin off.
- Place tomatoes in a pot and mash with a potato masher
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the vegetable mixture and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and simmer reducing the heat to low. Cook for 30-45 minutes
2. Pesto sauce
If you fancy a more green sauce, then try this flavorsome basil pesto sauce recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh herbs such as basil, parsley or kale, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup walnut or pine nuts
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 black pepper, ground
Method:
Pulse all the ingredients in a food processor into a smooth mixture is formed.
3. Barbeque sauce
If a sweet barbeque sauce is what you are after but want to be in control of how much sugar it contains, try this delicious homemade barbeque sauce recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Method:
1. Add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix for smooth, delicious BBQ sauce
Healthy Vegan/Vegetarian Pizza Toppings
1. Healthy Vegetable Pizza Options
Vegetable toppings are definitely a great way of making sure that pizzas are made healthy, and we have got a fantastic range of ideas for you to feast on.
Kale: This super green vegetable is a welcome addition to any pizza. It is full of calcium and antioxidants and brings a delicious flavor to it. Combine this super green with pumpkin to make a yummy, healthy pizza.
Spinach: a personal favorite! Spinach is so good for you because it contains a rich amount of vitamins including A, C, and K. It is also a rich source of iron. Combine this with goat cheese, and you can thank us later.
Goat cheese and spinach toppings can be a very good healthy pizza option if you are a frequent pizza-eater.
Broccoli: My kids will do anything for a broccoli pizza, and I’m always so happy to oblige. Broccoli is packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Peppers: Jazz up your pizza with this popular topping but go even further by using all the colors. Peppers are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and E.
Zucchini: This heart-friendly vegetable not only makes a great topping but can be used as a crust too.
Mushrooms: use this to bring flavor and crunch to your pizza. Mushrooms are a powerful source of antioxidants.
2. Healthy Protein Options For Pizza Toppings
Grilled Chicken: Combine this protein-rich option with homemade barbeque sauce, and you’ll be glad you did. Chicken is a good healthy pizza option for all meat lovers.
Beans: For a ton of fiber, protein, and flavor. You can throw a few black beans on may other toppings to add variety.
Eggs: Eggs on pizza is always a welcomed addition. You can scramble, cook all over whatever works best for you to go for it.
Tofu: for added protein and fiber and for a delicious vegetarian option.
Concluding thoughts,
Hope we’ve inspired you enough to get you making healthy delicious pizzas at home. Now you can go ahead and eat these healthy pizza options without guilt.
Don’t forget to share with us your own recipes and some of the tricks you use to make pizzas healthy.
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