Thanks to tropical storm Andrea, the grass has never been greener, the flowers are in full bloom, my car looks washed, allergies are at an all time low and it’s a perfect time to make homemade pizza! (Yes, it’s a glass half full state of mind!) This evening I had a craving for homemade whole wheat pizza margherita. (Yes, I’m very specific!)
I’ve never made whole wheat dough before, nor have I made margherita pizza so I was super excited to challenge myself with this (Yes, I find this fun). Plus I have this thing going on with my leg/groin/hip flexor area and have put running on hold the past few days so I had extra time to be productive!
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 1/4 tsp active yeast, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp basil (optional).
Dissolve yeast in warm water then combine all ingredients in a bread maker. Set the bread maker on the dough setting and let the magic happen. Can I just say – I love 21st century technology!! 1 hour later, I had perfectly mixed and risen dough!
Margherita Sauce Ingredients: 1-28 oz can tomatoes (I used diced. You can use whole peeled as well), 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 tsp basil, 1 tsp thyme, 2 tbsp olive oil and pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat!
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and garlic. Add spices. Drain and then crush the tomatoes. Add to oil mixture and stir. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Roll dough out to a very thin (about 1/8-1/4 inch). I do not believe in round pizzas (because I choose not to can’t make them). I like all shapes of pizza. No symmetry required in my kitchen! Spread sauce evenly. Top with thinly sliced fresh mozzarella. For this you will be about 6 ounces. Top with fresh chopped basil leaves. Bake for 10-12 minutes and smell the goodness…
OMGoshhh… with 3 minutes left, the kitchen started smelling like fresh pizza! And I thought the pizza didn’t look to shabby either! I made the pizza for my dad and I and I must say, even though it wasn’t a meat lovers, super saucy pizza, he still really liked it. Add this to the list… boy approved! I love the fact that it’s whole wheat, homemade, homemade sauce, part skim mozzarella… Cassie approved!
Era squisito! (Click here to translate) 🙂
What a great idea – make pizza when it is raining!