Homemade Pizza

I guess this recipe should be titled homemade pizza sauce. That’s really where the work is and the rest is purchased from the store. Nevertheless, making pizza at home can be a fun activity with the kids and you can show them that pizza can actually be very nutritious, too (I don’t recommend actually saying that out loud if you want them to eat it).

1 lb. fresh store-bought pizza dough
Olive Oil
1 cup Homemade Pizza Sauce (recipe follows)
Assorted Toppings, a few of our favorites include:
Mushrooms
Sweet Peppers
Olives
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Caramelized Shallots
Turkey Pepperoni
Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Basil Oil
Fresh Basil Leaves

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent and softened. Add the carrot, bay leaves, fresh basil, oregano, thyme and parsley and blend well. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until tomatoes lose their shape and begin to break down, about 20 minutes. Taste seasons and adjust as necessary. Allow to cool. Using an immersion blender or food processor, puree to desired consistency.
*Check the package instructions for the fresh pizza dough. The variety I use requires 20 minutes at 450 degrees F, but they can vary so read the label carefully.
Quick Tips
1. I’ve tried several ready-made fresh pizza doughs. You can get whole wheat or regular, fresh or frozen and sometimes you can even find flavored varieties, such as the herb number that Trader Joe’s carries. The one I like lately can be found in the Whole Foods freezer section. There are two boules per package (1 lb. each). Defrost in the fridge overnight, then on the counter with a little oil on top for about 6 hours.
2. There are a lot of beautiful things about this “recipe.” First, you can make a family affair out of building the pizza. Secondly, you can cater to the individual needs and desires of each family member by sectioning off the pizza with different toppings – and still sit down to the same meal. Finally, it’s never the same twice.
3. The pizza sauce can be made in a chunky style or pureed smooth. If you have the type of children that are going to be unnerved by seeing flecks of carrot and basil, I recommend you puree it until smooth. I love the sweetness and the extra vitamins that the carrot adds, but picky eaters aren’t bound to be as enthusiastic.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 6

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