Description
This savory garlic mushroom spinach homemade pizza features a flavorful hand-kneaded crust topped with sautéed garlic, mushrooms, fresh spinach, robust pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a delightful vegetarian pizza bursting with rich, earthy flavors and vibrant greens, perfect for a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 cup Warm Water (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Toppings
- 1.5 cups Sliced Mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic
- 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the Dough: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a chewy crust.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Sauté Garlic: While the dough rises, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Cook Mushrooms and Spinach: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough Base: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into your desired shape, about ¼ inch thick.
- Preheat Oven and Add Sauce: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Spread pizza sauce evenly over the shaped dough, leaving a small edge around the perimeter for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the sautéed garlic, mushrooms, and spinach mixture evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- Sautéing the garlic and vegetables beforehand ensures the pizza topping is flavorful and fully cooked.
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours for increased convenience and flavor development.
- If you like a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
