RECIPE: 'Healthy' Pizza

Many Filipinos love Pizza. Everytime I feel tired and stressed out, I usually crave for one. A slice of pizza has lots of calories. I've been very conscious about my calorie intake as of late, so I thought of developing a 'healthy' pizza recipe. Instead of using your usual white flour based crust, I used whole wheat flour. Making it a very good alternative to your usual pizza without the guilt. Eating an extra slice or two won't be too much of a blow to one's conscience. For a more healthier alternative, you can substitute mozzarella cheese with low fat ricotta or cottage cheese. Pizza varieties are endless depending on your taste and lifestyle. For a different flavor, you can do a Grilled Chicken Pesto Pizza by replacing the pizza sauce with basil pesto sauce, and topping it with low fat cheese and grilled chicken. Who says eating healthy can't be this delicious? Try this simple yet healthy recipe now! Enjoy



Ingredients:

Crust:
1 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp italian seasoning

Pizza Sauce:
300 g tomato paste
2 tsp garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp red wine
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp italian seaoning
salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:
Pepperoni
Italian Sausage
Mushroom
Bell Pepper
Onion
Olives
Bacon
Cheese (Mozzarella,quick melt cheese, etc.)


Pizza Sauce Procedures:

1. In a sauce pan, heat the olive oil. Saute the garlic until slightly light brown.
2. Add in the red wine and let it simmer. Combine the tomato paste, sugar and italian seasoning.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Pizza Crust Procedures:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 10 minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then, drape it over both of your fists, and gently pull the edges outward, while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Spread with pizza sauce, top with cheese and your desired toppings.
5. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges, and cheese is melted on the top.