Why I Love This Recipe
This Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza is the perfect guilt-free treat! It’s packed with fresh ingredients, and it’s an ideal choice for anyone following a Slimming World or Weight Watchers plan. The homemade crust is soft, chewy, and gluten-free, while the fresh, flavorful tomato sauce adds an irresistible richness. I love that it’s customizable with your favorite veggies and cheese, and best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare—you can have a delicious, healthy pizza ready in under an hour. Whether you’re enjoying it for a light dinner, lunch, or a fun family meal, this recipe satisfies your pizza cravings without compromising on flavor!
Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza
Yields: 2 servings (1/2 pizza per serving)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
WW Smart Points: 10 (for 1/2 pizza)
This pizza is gluten-free, vegetarian, and perfect for Slimming World or Weight Watchers. With only 1 Healthy Extra A (HEa) and 1 Healthy Extra B (HEb) per serving, it’s a nutritious and tasty meal that aligns with your weight loss goals.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 80g (2.8oz) porridge oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 100g (3.5oz) fat-free Greek yoghurt (must be Greek)
- 1 large egg
- Spray oil (for greasing)
- 100g (3.5oz) mozzarella cheese, broken into pieces (2 HEa’s)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups (480ml) passata (or blended tomatoes)
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (2 syns) or sweetener of choice for a syn-free version
- 1 onion, very finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp oregano
- A few basil leaves, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Spray oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
- Prepare the Oats: Add the porridge oats to a mini blender or food processor and pulse until they form a fine powder (similar to oat flour).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and Greek yoghurt to the oat mixture and fold together until well combined. The dough will be a bit thick.
- Rest the Dough: Set the dough aside for about 30 minutes to allow the oats to soak up the liquid and expand.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pizza Base:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or gas mark 6.
- Prepare Parchment Paper: Cut a sheet of parchment paper large enough for a 9-inch pizza.
- Shape the Dough: Spray the parchment paper with spray oil. Place the dough onto the greased parchment, form it into a ball, and spray the top with more oil.
- Roll the Dough: Place another sheet of parchment over the dough and gently roll it out with a rolling pin until you have a rough 9-inch pizza base. Be careful not to handle the dough with your hands—only use the parchment paper to flatten it.
- Transfer and Shape: Carefully lift off the top sheet of parchment and, if needed, use a spatula to neaten up the edges and shape the dough into a circle. Transfer the parchment with the dough onto a baking tray.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and firm.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Cook the Onions: In a deep frying pan, spray with spray oil and add the onions. Cook until caramelized and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the crushed garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the passata, water, tomato paste, and maple syrup (or sweetener). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 40 minutes, or until it thickens and reduces.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Add Sauce: Once the pizza base is golden and firm, remove it from the oven. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the base.
- Top with Cheese: Add the mozzarella cheese pieces and garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
- Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of fresh veggies or a salad!
Tips & Tricks
- Customizing the Crust: If you’re not gluten-free, you can use regular whole wheat flour or plain flour instead of oats.
- Crispier Crust: For a crispier base, pre-bake the crust for an additional 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Sweetener Option: If you’re avoiding maple syrup for the sauce, stevia or other sugar substitutes work well to keep the recipe syn-free.
- Add Protein: For a protein boost, add some grilled chicken, turkey, or even tofu on top of the pizza.
- Vegan Version: Swap the Greek yoghurt for a dairy-free alternative and use vegan cheese to make it completely vegan.
Notes
- Oats: Be sure to use gluten-free oats if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Regular oats are not naturally gluten-free due to cross-contamination during processing.
- Cheese: The mozzarella adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, but you can substitute with a low-fat cheese or your favorite dairy-free cheese for a lighter option.
- Sauce Variations: The sauce is versatile and can be used for pasta, as a dip, or in other dishes. It keeps well in the fridge and freezes perfectly for future use.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftover pizza, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. What is passata?
Passata is a sieved tomato product, which is smooth and perfect for pizza sauces. If you don’t have passata, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or blended fresh tomatoes.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, you can use cheddar, feta, or any cheese that melts well. For a dairy-free option, there are plenty of vegan cheese choices available.
4. Can I make this pizza crust without a food processor?
Yes, if you don’t have a food processor, simply use a blender or finely grind the oats manually in a mortar and pestle. The goal is to create an oat flour-like texture.
This Gluten-Free Veggie Pizza is a simple yet delicious recipe that satisfies all pizza cravings without any of the guilt. It’s healthy, customizable, and perfect for Slimming World or Weight Watchers enthusiasts looking for a tasty, lower-calorie alternative