fennel, onion, & olive pizza

Ready for a pizza heaven? Veg out with this palate-pleasing pie that's chock full of goodness. The combination of fennel, onion and olives makes a flavorful combination that is sure to be a hit with your family.

Ingredients

Dough: 

1 1/2 tsp. dry yeast

 2/3 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees)

 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 tsp. salt 

Cooking spray 

2 tsp. yellow cornmeal 

 

Topping: 

1 tbsp. olive oil 

 4 cups thinly sliced fennel bulb (about 4 small bulbs) 

2 cups thinly sliced onion 

1/2 tsp. salt 

1/4 tsp. dried oregano 

1/4 tsp. dried thyme 

1/4 tsp. black pepper

 

 Remaining ingredients: 

 1 cup bottled tomato-basil pasta sauce

 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 

 1/4 cup coarsely chopped and pitted Kalamata olives

 

Methods/steps

 

To prepare dough, dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl, and let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 1 3/4 cups flour and salt, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tbsp. at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky). Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into the dough. If an indentation remains, dough has levitated enough.) Punch dough down; knead 5 times and let rest for 15 minutes. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Place dough on a (12-inch) pizza pan or baking sheet coated with cooking spray and sprinkled with cornmeal. Crimp edges of dough with fingers to form a rim. To prepare the topping, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add the fennel and the next 5 ingredients (fennel through black pepper), and cook for 20 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread sauce over crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border; sprinkle with fennel mixture, cheese, and olives and bake at 450 degrees for 18 minutes or until browned.

Additional Tips

Serving size: 1 wedge