The Rise of Plant-Based Pizzas: Delicious Vegan Recipes to Try in Your Wood-Fired Authentic Pizza Oven
As plant-based diets gain popularity worldwide, the culinary world is witnessing a delightful transformation with the rise of plant-based pizzas.
Vegan pizzas have evolved from uninspiring, bland dishes into mouthwatering creations that rival their traditional counterparts. And what better way to elevate these vegan delights than by cooking them in a wood-fired authentic pizza oven?
Let’s explore the exciting world of plant-based pizzas, share the benefits of using a wood-fired oven, and present you with a collection of delicious vegan pizza recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these recipes will inspire you to embrace the vegan pizza revolution in your own backyard.
Benefits of Using a Wood-fired Authentic Pizza Oven
Before diving into the delectable vegan pizza recipes, let's first appreciate the advantages of cooking in a wood-fired authentic pizza oven:
Enhanced Flavor: Wood-fired ovens infuse a unique smoky flavor into your pizzas, elevating the taste and creating a delightful aroma that's impossible to replicate in a conventional oven.
Quick Cooking Times: These ovens can reach high temperatures (usually around 800°F or 427°C) quickly, resulting in pizzas that cook in just a few minutes. The rapid cooking process ensures your pizzas have a crispy crust while maintaining the freshness of the toppings.
Versatility: Beyond pizzas, wood-fired ovens can be used for various culinary adventures, from baking bread and roasting vegetables to searing steaks and grilling. Their versatility makes them an excellent investment for any food enthusiast.
Now that we've established the wonders of wood-fired ovens, let's explore some delicious vegan pizza recipes that will leave you craving more.
Related: See our line of wood-fired traditional and portable pizza ovens.
Wood-Fired Roasted Vegetable and Pesto Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese or dairy-free cheese, shredded (optional for a vegan version)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Wood-Fired Pizza Oven:
- Preheat your wood-fired pizza oven to a temperature of around 700°F to 800°F (370°C to 427°C). Ensure that the oven floor is evenly heated.
Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), pine nuts, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Toss the zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and roast them in the wood-fired oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they are slightly charred and tender. Keep a close eye on them, as wood-fired ovens can be very hot.
Shape the Pizza Dough:
- On a floured surface or pizza peel, roll out the pizza dough into your desired thickness, ensuring it will fit comfortably in your wood-fired oven.
- If using a pizza peel, sprinkle it with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
- Assemble and Bake the Pizza:
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared pesto sauce over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) evenly over the pesto sauce.
- Arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the cheese-covered pizza.
Cook in the Wood-Fired Oven:
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or oven floor in your wood-fired pizza oven.
- Bake for about 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden, and the cheese (if using) is melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch to avoid overcooking.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the wood-fired roasted vegetable and pesto pizza from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
- If desired, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
- Slice your unique wood-fired pizza and serve it hot.
Enjoy the smoky goodness and the rich, savory flavors of this wood-fired roasted vegetable and pesto pizza.
It's a delightful vegetarian option that showcases the beauty of wood-fired cooking while celebrating the vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables and fresh basil pesto.
Wood-Fired Chickpea Crust Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chickpea Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or cooked chickpeas)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or almond flour for binding)
For Toppings:
- Tomato sauce or pizza sauce (use your favorite)
- Vegan mozzarella cheese or any dairy-free cheese of your choice
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions:
Preheat Your Wood-Fired Pizza Oven:
- Preheat your wood-fired pizza oven to a temperature of around 800°F (427°C). Make sure the oven floor is evenly heated.
Prepare the Chickpea Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Add chickpea flour (or almond flour) to the mixture to bind it together. Pulse a few more times until a dough-like consistency is achieved.
Shape the Crust:
- Place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet.
- Transfer the chickpea dough onto the parchment paper and use your hands to press it down into a round pizza crust, about 1/4-inch thick. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to create a crust.
Pre-Bake the Crust:
- Carefully slide the parchment paper with the crust onto the preheated pizza stone or oven floor in your wood-fired pizza oven.
- Bake the crust for approximately 2-4 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on it, as wood-fired ovens can be very hot, and the cooking time may vary.
Add Toppings and Finish Cooking:
- Remove the partially baked crust from the oven using a pizza peel or similar tool.
- Spread your preferred tomato or pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese or your chosen dairy-free cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add sliced bell peppers, red onions, black olives, and any other toppings you desire.
Return to the Wood-Fired Oven:
- Carefully slide the topped pizza, still on the parchment paper, back into the wood-fired pizza oven.
- Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the crust is fully crisped, and the toppings are cooked to your liking. Keep a close watch, as the cooking time in a wood-fired oven is swift.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once your chickpea crust pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven.
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Slice your wood-fired chickpea crust pizza and serve it hot.
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the smoky essence that only a wood-fired oven can provide in this unique chickpea crust pizza. It's a fantastic choice for those seeking a gluten-free and plant-based pizza option with a delightful twist
Our Final Say
The rise of plant-based pizzas in today's culinary landscape is a testament to the creativity and innovation of chefs and home cooks alike. And when you combine these delectable vegan creations with the magic of a wood-fired authentic pizza oven, the result is nothing short of culinary perfection.
Related: The Art of Pizza Presentation: Tips for Beautifully Plated Pizzas
Whether you're a committed vegan or simply looking to expand your palate, these vegan pizza recipes offer a tantalizing array of flavors and textures. From the classic Margherita with a vegan twist to the BBQ chickpea and veggie delight, there's a plant-based pizza for every palate.
So, fire up your wood-fired Authentic Pizza Oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey of plant-based pizza deliciousness that will leave you and your guests craving more. The vegan pizza revolution has arrived, and it's time to savor every slice!
Related Reads:
- Authentic Pizza Ovens