Pizza perfection

Pizza is one of my absolute favourites and generally quite a crowd pleaser - but as we all know, it tends to come packed full of naughty fats and gluten which can put some of us off the idea! However this adaptation of the classic is undoubtedly one of the best, just as tasty and doughy and far far better for you!

The great thing about homemade pizza is that you can easily have a tailor-made experience and build it up with all your favourite toppings! This is such a great idea for a family night in, or a laid back dinner party with friends! You can prep the dough and tomato sauce beforehand and then invite everyone into the kitchen to create their own mini pizzas. Its a great way to involve children (if you have them) in cooking and encourage them to eat all the veggies they placed beautifully on their pizzas, and for those of you with adult friends, what a nice way to remove the pressure and workload of hosting a dinner party!

So, for the base you will need:

300g gluten free or spelt flour

190ml lukewarm water

1/2 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 tsp salt

a good few sprigs of rosemary (and any other herbs you fancy), finely chopped

For the tomato sauce:

300g cherry tomatoes

1 red onion

chilli flakes (as few or as many as you want)

chopped basil, thyme, oregano and/or any other herbs of your choice

olive oil

salt and pepper

Start by mixing the water and yeast and put it to one side, somewhere warm. Then get going on the sauce - chop the onion finely and sauté it in a little olive oil. Then blend the tomatoes in a food processor or blender, or alternatively chop them up nice and small for a chunkier tomato sauce. Add the tomato mix to the sautéed onions and stir in the chopped herbs, chilli and seasoning. Leave the sauce to simmer on a low heat until the excess water from the tomatoes has evaporated.

To make the dough, simply mix the salt and flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until all the liquid has been absorbed and the dough is firm and no longer sticking to your hands. If need be, add a little more flour, but not too much as you want the pizzas to be doughy and not too dry! Once the dough is ready, either roll it out to make one big pizza (should be enough for 4) or split into smaller individual portions. Cover the bases in the tomato sauce, and then just let loose with your toppings - meaty, veggie, raw or cheesy - the options are endless!

Leave them to bake for about 10-15 min depending on the size of your pizza bases, and depending on how crispy you want them! Serve with a side salad or just as they are and enjoy!

Oh and don't forget - spread a little happiness today! X