Pizza doesn’t have to be off limits for those on a plant-based diet. I don’t often use fake ‘cheese’ so when we order in or make our own pizza, I top the pizza with tomato sauce and our favourite toppings, with no cheese. Frozen pizza pockets are one thing that I haven’t found a vegan alternative for, which is probably a good thing because I really do try and avoid processed food!
Here is a great recipe for homemade pizza pops. Once you have the basic filling down, you can add all sorts of your favourite pizza toppings too (mushrooms, green peppers, pineapple, you name it!)
Here is the Home Baked Vegan’s recipe for Homemade Vegan Pizza Pockets:
Ingredients:
Filling:
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion
3 Cloves Garlic
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
3 Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Cups Baby Spinach
Salt and Pepper to taste
Dough:
1 Packet Instant Quick-Rise Yeast
1 tsp Sugar
1 Cup Warm Water
2 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
Seasoning:
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Basil
Method:
Finely dice the onions and garlic.
In a medium sauce pan, heat the olive oil, then add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions start turning transparent.
Stir in the tomato paste then add diced tomatoes and let simmer for 20 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste while it simmers.
Add spinach, and stir until the spinach leaves are wilted.
Pour the sauce into a metal container and store in the fridge until the dough is ready.
Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water.
Add flour, salt and olive oil, and stir until a dough is formed.
Knead the dough about 20 times until it is no longer sticky.
Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
While the dough rises, prepare the seasoning by mixing the olive oil, garlic powder, salt and basil together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Break the dough into 10 – 12 equal pieces.
Roll the individual pieces into 4”- 5” circles.
Add a spoonful of filling into the Center of each circle, and fold the dough over to make a half-circle, then press the edges closed.
(If sauce touches the edges, pat it dry with a clean towel and fold the edge of the dough over to expose a clean untouched area of dough to pinch the pizza pocket closed.)
Place the pizza pockets on a lined baking sheet.
Brush with garlic seasoning.
Bake at 400’ for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden brown .
Remove from oven and enjoy!
