Description
This Spicy Butternut Squash Pizza with Caramelized Onions is a delightful fall-inspired vegan main course that combines a homemade pizza crust with spicy roasted butternut squash, savory caramelized onions, a quick and flavorful pizza sauce, and melty vegan cheese. The sweet and spicy flavors make it a perfect comforting dish for autumn evenings, blending American and Italian culinary influences.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 390 g all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing bowls)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 240 ml lukewarm water
- 1 pack fast action yeast (7g)
- 2 tsp maple syrup
Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt + black pepper to taste
Pizza Sauce + Other Toppings
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions
- 1 tbsp tomato puree/paste
- 2 garlic cloves (grated)
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 cups vegan cheese (grated)
- a few kale leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Start by combining lukewarm water, maple syrup, and fast action yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt. Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough ball forms. Knead this dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until soft and elastic. Divide the dough into two balls, place each in a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Roast the Butternut Squash: About 40 minutes before the dough finishes rising, preheat the oven to 218°C (425°F). Cube the butternut squash and transfer it to a baking tray. Add finely chopped garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, chilli flakes (if using), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tender, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Make the Pizza Sauce: In a bowl, combine 4 tbsp olive oil, tomato puree, ground cumin, chilli powder (if using), maple syrup, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside for flavors to meld.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Vegan Cheese: In a bowl, combine grated vegan cheese with 4 tbsp water to make it slightly moister and gooier.
- Assemble the Pizza: Lightly oil a pizza baking tray. Using your hands, stretch one of the risen dough balls into a 12-inch circle on the tray. Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the base. Add a quarter of the roasted butternut squash, half of the caramelized onions, a quarter of the moistened vegan cheese, then repeat the layering with another quarter of butternut squash and vegan cheese. Finish with a few kale leaves for a fresh touch.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Repeat the assembly and baking with the second dough ball to make a second pizza. Serve the pizzas warm and enjoy your delicious vegan spicy butternut squash pizza!
Notes
- You can omit chilli flakes and chilli powder for a milder version.
- Use gluten-free flour to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
- Ensure the water for yeast is lukewarm to activate yeast properly.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area helps in better fermentation.
- Adjust the vegan cheese quantity based on how cheesy you prefer the pizza.
- Kale leaves add a nice fresh texture but can be substituted or omitted according to preference.
- For a crispy crust, preheat your baking tray or pizza stone in the oven before assembly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
