Forget everything you thought about Hemp. The food grade version of the cannabis plant species (THC not included) is full of Omega 3, high in fibre and loaded with protein, making it the perfect ingredient for anyone enjoying a plant-based diet. This recipe for organic and dairy free pizza topped with hemp parmesan, infused with herbs, and fresh, seasonal vegetables is not only delicious, but actively promotes healthy skin, hair and gut health, transforming what would otherwise be an indulgent treat into something your body will thank you for. You’re welcome.

Vegan Hemp Pizza

Ingredients

Sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Crust
2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
3/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoons raw cane sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 envelope active dry yeast
Pinch of salt

Topping (mix and match)
Hemp Parmesan
Kale chips
Tomatoes
Avocado
Olives
Mushrooms

Method

Sauce

Heat a saucepan on medium low heat. Add all sauce ingredients and cook over medium high heat until mixture boils. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Crust

Mix water with the cane sugar, yeast, oil in a measuring cup and whisk until combined. Let the mix sit for two minutes.

In a large mixing bowl combine the salt and flour and make a well in the centre. Pour the yeast mixture into the centre of mixing bowl and using a wooden spoon mix together to form a rough dough.

Turn the dough out on lightly floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, fitted with a dough attachment, mix together the flour, salt, and pour in yeast mixture. With the speed on medium, mix until everything is combined. Reduce the speed to low and mix for 10 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Oil a large bowl with olive oil, place dough into the bowl then cover with plastic wrap. Leave the bowl in a warm place to rise for 50 minutes or until it has doubled in size. Microwave or an oven (turned off) works the best.

Preheat oven to 250C. Place the large baking sheet in the oven.

Punch down the risen dough, Sprinkle the work surface with a little flour and roll out dough into 10 inch circle. Brush the pizza base with olive oil.

Place rolled out pizza base on the hot large baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven and spoon the tomato sauce and spread on your pizza crust, add the toppings and back to the oven bake for another 15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

Topping

Mix and match your toppings and enjoy your pizza right away.

Mei Yee is a plant-based cook who designs recipes using simple and natural ingredients. You can find her recipes online here.