Who doesn’t love pizza? Pizza comes in many forms these days, so indulge your creativity!

Sliced or diced vegetables of all sorts make great toppings. If you are considering growing your own veggies this year, it’s a good time to make plans and purchase seeds and “starts.” There’s nothing quite like eating something you’ve grown with your own hands and labor.

I had grown extensive flower gardens for many years, but never more than a few random tomato or herb plants tucked here and there among the flowers. Then, during the pandemic, we put in a fairly big vegetable garden, and I have been surprised by how much joy it brings me – and how we continue eating from it almost right up to the next planting season. (We had to buy a small freezer for the garage to accommodate our harvest!)

If you want some tips and garden plans, visit harriscenter.org/grow-your-own-food.

This pizza recipe is from the kitchen of Temple resident Cynthia Orlandella, who said, “This pizza crust recipe is quick and simple. We’ve used the same ingredients to make burritos or wraps, as we always have oats on hand; last night we tried making a pizza crust using the same recipe, and it was great. Enjoy!” 

Pizza with oat crust

Oat crust ingredients (makes one 12- to 14-inch pizza crust) 

 – 2 cups rolled oats.

--  1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups water (keep testing consistency).

--  1/2 teaspoon salt, optional.

 – 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, optional.

--  Any combination of herbs or spices, such as basil, oregano and garlic (dried, powdered or fresh).

Directions for oat crust

In a high-speed blender, soak the oats for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 cups water. Add a bit more water, salt, nutritional yeast and any combination of herbs or spices you desire, and blend at high speed until smooth; the consistency should be like pancake batter. Add more water as needed.

In a large, non-stick pan on medium heat, add a bit of oil or vegan butter, as you would if making pancakes. Slowly pour the batter, and spread it out to a pizza-crust size and thickness. Flip when bubbly and slightly browned, making sure both sides are well cooked.

Pizza ingredients

 – Oat crust.

 – Tomato sauce.

 – Vegetables of your choice (sliced, diced or cubed).

 – Vegan mozzarella cheese, optional.

Pizza directions

Preheat oven and pizza stone to 450 degrees. Slide oat pizza crust from pan onto a cutting board. Lightly sauté your favorite combination of vegetables, which may include onions, mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli, chunks of garlic, eggplant and tomatoes. Add greens like chopped spinach, kale and parsley at the last minute.

Spread tomato sauce onto the crust. Sprinkle vegan mozzarella onto sauce, optional. Spread the sautéed vegetables of your choice over the top.

Slip the pizza onto a pizza stone in the preheated oven, or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake about 10 to 15 minutes until crust is crunchy, making sure to keep an eye on the toppings. Check bottom of crust by lifting its edge to see if it is crispy; when it is, it’s done.

This pizza is also delicious just with the vegetables, without cheese or sauce. Serve with a side salad.

Lisa Murray has a passion for exploring the impact our food choices have on human and planetary health