Veggie Pizza

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the toppings:

1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan cheese for a vegan option)

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced

1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the pizza dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into your desired shape and thickness.

Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if you're using a pizza stone.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Arrange sliced bell pepper, red onion, mushrooms, black olives, zucchini, and yellow squash evenly over the cheese.

Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (either directly onto the pizza stone or onto the baking sheet). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious veggie pizza!