Roasted Vegetable Pizza - Vegan Version and Cheesy Version

When someone says Pizza, the first thing that comes to mind is the melted cheese on top and the soft warm bread. Growing up, we never knew Pizza. At some point in our lives, Pizza made a grand entry to our lives - for good or bad I don't know. We used to eat out a lot when I started working and pizza with friends was once a week affair. And the pan size pizza from the Dominos outlet in the office was a go to place.

After years of enjoying pizza, the food gods decided I had enough. Being lactose intolerant, I can't eat cheese. So I have devised methods of making the yummiest Pizza which will make you forget about the cheese. I have come to realize how easy it is to make your own Pizza from scratch. Once you make it, you will never order Pizza, trust me. You can customize Pizza for each person in your house. How cool is that?

While I enjoyed a Vegan version of the Pizza, I gave in to the demands of my little one and made him a cheesy version as well. See customization, told you, didn't I? This roasted vegetable topping is inspired by the Ratatouille that I made some time ago. Give it a try if you have not yet done so. Another awesome dish.

I baked this as part of the We Knead to Bake bread making group by Aparna

Ingredients (Makes 3 large)

Bread Flour (or APF) 3 cups
Fast Action Yeast 1 (7g) pkt
Salt 1 tsp
Sugar 1 tbsp
Warm Milk 11/2 cup (I used a little more than 11/4 cup), Water also works great.
Oil 2 tbsp plus a little to layer the top

Cheese (if using, use as required)

Topping

Tomato Paste 200gm can
Onions 2
Garlic 10-12 pods
Oil 1 tbsp
Water 3/4 cup

Eggplant 1 sliced thinly
Zucchini  1 sliced thinly
Red Pepper 1 sliced thinly

Oil 3 tbsp

Salt and Pepper to taste

Method of Preparation for topping

1. You will need a baking tray about 9*12 inches. Preheat the oven to 190 C (375 F).

2. Add the tomato paste, chopped onions, chopped garlic, 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper and water to the tray. Mix everything well and spread it in a layer at the bottom of the tray.

3. Add the slices of eggplant, zucchini and pepper one after the other.

4. Drizzle 3 tbsp oil all over the veggies. You can use a pastry brush to evenly coat the oil too.

5. Sprinkle some salt and pepper as well. Toss well till everything is combined.

6. Cover with a parchment paper (just over the veggies on the inside of the tray).

7. Bake for 45-50 min till the veggies are cooked well and nicely roasted.

Method of Preparation for pizza

1. Take flour in a big bowl. Add yeast, salt,sugar and oil. Mix well.

2. Add milk a little at a time and mix well till you get a spongy dough.

3. Apply a little oil on top. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and rest for about an hour till the dough raises to atleast double.

4. Punch out the air and knead quickly. Divide into 3 portions.

5. Roll into a circle.

6. Spread the roasted vegetables on top. Add cheese as well if using.

7. Preheat oven to 230 C and bake for 12-15 min (as required).