Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering adventure with whole-wheat pizza! This wholesome twist on traditional crust brings a burst of nutrition to the table. Packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals from whole grains, it's a healthier choice without compromising taste. Each bite is a celebration of flavour, where nourishment and deliciousness come together in perfect harmony. Get ready to savour a slice (or five) that's wholesome and scrumptious!
Table of contents
- About whole wheat pizza
- Ingredients
- Preparation
- Step-by-step instructions
- Pro tips
- Quick recap
About whole wheat pizza
Originating in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century, pizza quickly captured the hearts and taste buds. The traditional Neapolitan pizza crust, crafted with finely refined '00' flour, became synonymous with its iconic lightness and chewy texture. Little did anyone know that a revolution was on the horizon, ready to take pizza to new heights, worldwide.
As the flames of health consciousness engulfed the culinary landscape, the demand for healthier alternatives surged. Enter whole wheat pizza crust, a game-changer born from the desire to infuse this beloved dish with wholesome goodness. This innovation marked a shift in the pizza paradigm, harnessing the raw power of whole wheat flour to curate a healthier pizza experience.
Whole wheat pizza crust embraced the limelight with unbridled passion, offering a bolder and nuttier flavour profile than its refined flour counterpart. The high-fibre content sizzles with the promise of a more nourishing slice, tantalising the taste buds while providing an array of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. What's not to love?
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup whole wheat
- ¼ cup curd
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp sugar
- Water as required
- Extra flour for dusting
- Butter for brushing
For the topping
- Pizza sauce
- Onion
- Capsicum
- Red and yellow bell pepper
- Black olives
- Mushroom
- Corn
- Mozzarella cheese
- Oregano
- Chilli flakes
Preparation
- Collect all the necessary ingredients, including whole wheat flour, curd, baking soda, salt, herbs, pizza sauce, vegetables, cheese, and any desired toppings.
- In a bowl, measure the whole wheat flour, curd, baking soda, salt, herbs, and any other specified dough ingredients. Mix them until well combined.
- On a clean surface or in the bowl itself, knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. Add water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, chop, slice, or prepare the vegetables, grate the cheese, and have the pizza sauce ready. This ensures that everything is prepped and ready to be added to the pizza.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put whole wheat flour in a bowl.
- Add curd (yoghurt) to the flour.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, chilli flakes, and herbs.
- Add the olive oil and mix it thoroughly into the dough.
- Slowly pour in water while kneading until the dough becomes soft and easy to work with.
- Apply some oil to the dough, cover it, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After the dough has rested, take a portion and roll it into a thin crust on a floured surface.
- Prick the base of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.
- Cook the base in a hot pan until it is half-cooked.
- Flip the crust and spread pizza sauce on the cooked side.
- Add grated mozzarella cheese and arrange the toppings of your choice.
- Sprinkle herbs and chilli flakes on top.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes or until the base is fully cooked and the cheese has melted.
- Slice the pizza into mouth-watering pieces and serve them while still hot.
Pro tips
- Flour selection: Opt for finely ground whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour for a lighter texture and smoother dough.
- Resting time: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes or longer if possible. This rest period helps improve the texture and allows the flavours to develop.
- Pre-cooking the crust: Partially cook the crust on a hot pan before adding the toppings. This ensures that the crust is evenly cooked and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Toppings and sauce: Use high-quality pizza sauce and experiment with a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings to elevate the taste of your pizza. Consider a combination of vegetables, meats, and herbs to create a well-balanced and delicious topping arrangement.
- Cheese selection: Choose a good-quality mozzarella cheese or try mixing different types of cheeses for added flavour and richness.
- Cooking temperature and time: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible. A hot oven helps achieve a crispy crust and melts the cheese to perfection. Keep a close eye on the pizza while it bakes to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
- Oven positioning: For a crispier crust, place the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or a hot baking sheet. This helps transfer heat to the crust more efficiently.
- Garnish with herbs and seasonings: Sprinkle oregano, basil, chilli flakes, or any other favourite herbs and seasonings on top of the pizza before serving. This adds a burst of flavour and enhances the overall taste.
- Experiment and personalise: Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings and flavours. Try different combinations, add your favourite ingredients, and make the pizza truly your own.
Quick recap
Ingredients
- For the dough: Whole wheat, curd, baking soda, olive oil, salt and spices, sugar, water, butter
- For the toppings: Pizza sauce, vegetables of your choice, mozzarella cheese, seasonings of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Mix whole wheat flour, curd, and spices. Knead the dough gently until it forms a ball.
- Let the dough rest: Cover the dough and let it rest for a while. This helps the gluten relax and makes the crust better.
- Roll and pre-cook the crust: Sprinkle some flour and roll the dough into a thin circle. Cook it partially on a hot pan until it turns golden.
- Get the toppings on and proceed with the final baking: Spread sauce on the crust and add your favourite toppings. Then, bake it until everything is cooked and delicious.
- Slice, serve, and savour: Cut the pizza into slices and enjoy it with your loved ones. Take pleasure in each bite and savour the flavours.