Frying Pan Pizza

Pizza has to be one of those classic comfort foods, and is one I don't have very often but definitely enjoy when I do. This recipe is a simple way to make a great tasting pizza at home, with few ingredients and without turning your oven on. You can even avoid using the grill if you use cold toppings or use a blowtorch to melt the cheese (admittedly that was my cheating method!).  

This recipe can be adapted as you wish to use different flours in the dough such as rye or spelt, to have different flavoured sauce and to have toppings to your taste. Such a great way to use up leftovers at the end of the week!

Recipe - Makes 1

For the dough: 

• 100g strong white bread flour
• 2g fast action dried yeast
• 2g salt
• 60ml water

For the topping:

• 100ml tomato passata
• Pinch dried basil
• Pinch dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 30g vegan cheese alternative
• Other toppings of your choice eg. cooked vegetables or vegan protein alternatives

Make the dough by putting the flour into a bowl and tipping the yeast to one side and salt to the other. Slowly pour in the water, mixing with your hand until the dough comes together into a soft ball. Turn out onto a work surface and knead for 5-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a bowl and place the kneaded dough inside, cover and leave to rise for 1-2 hours at room temperature to double in size.

Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce by putting the passata, herbs and seasoning into a pan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil then simmer until reduced and thickened, stirring as needed to prevent it burning on the pan or spitting all over the hob. Set aside and prepare your other toppings.

When the dough has risen, tip onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out to a round the same size as the base of your frying pan. Press down to remove most of the air. Preheat a grill to a high heat, then heat a frying pan on a medium heat and add a small drizzle of oil. When heated, wipe the oil round with a piece of kitchen roll and ensure there isn't too much excess (unless your pan is not very non-stick). Lift the dough into the base of the pan and press into shape. Cook for about 5 minutes or until just browning slightly underneath. Flip the dough over and spread the tomato sauce on top, then sprinkle on your toppings and finish with cheese. Continue to cook the other side until lightly browned then place under the preheated grill to melt the cheese and heat up the toppings. Remove and serve.