Autumn

Rustic Autumn Harvest Pizza with Homemade Dough

 

Autumn is the season of crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy flavors. What better way to celebrate than with a homemade pizza topped with seasonal ingredients? This recipe starts with an easy, foolproof pizza dough and is loaded with autumnal toppings like roasted pumpkin, caramelized onions, and creamy goat cheese.You can top it with whatever takes your fancy.

Makes 8, 30cm pizza bases (dough left over? keep it covered in the fridge for pizza the next night too!)
 

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

• 400ml warm water (not hot)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions:

1. In a small bowl activate the yeast, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with clean hands until a dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Punch dough down and divide into 8 equal balls.

5. Roll out a ball of dough into your desired shape (25-30cm is the best size) and thickness.
    

Autumn Harvest Pizza Toppings

Ingredients:

• ½ small pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled & thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• ½ cup goat cheese or mozzarella

• ½ cup baby spinach or rocket

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)

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Instructions:

1. Toss the butternut squash and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes until tender.

2. Preheat the pizza oven to around 400°C.

3. Slide the rolled pizza dough onto a well floured pizza paddle.

4. Spread a light layer of olive oil or tomato sauce over the rolled out pizza dough. Add the roasted veggies and cheese. Less is best, you want the pizza base to cook and your toppings to stay on the pizza!

5. Slide the pizza base off the paddle and into the pizza oven by giving the paddle little shakes back and forth - just like they do at the pizza shop! It will only take 3-4 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

6. Remove pizza from the oven using the paddle and put on a wooden board.

7. Top with fresh rocket or spinach and drizzle with honey for a sweet-savoury balance. Slice and enjoy!