I’m thrilled to introduce a new section on my blog titled ‘Easy Homemade’. This section delves into the essence of transforming a mere house into a true home, with a focus on the art of cooking. However, I’ll admit that cooking doesn’t exactly top my list of preferred activities. Nevertheless, I’ve found my way to delicious meals through a collection of simple recipes I’ve managed to put together.

Today, I’m happy to share my super-easy pizza recipe with you because, let’s be honest, hanging around the kitchen isn’t exactly my thing. The whole process of chopping, cooking, storing, and then dealing with the aftermath of cleaning just doesn’t work for me. If I could have it my way, I’d reserve my kitchen time for brewing lattes and reheating dishes prepared by someone else (my parents, actually). However, life led me abroad, and the luxury of my dad’s yummy dishes showing up at my doorstep became a distant memory (yes, I confess, I was a bit spoiled).

So, I was faced with a choice: either embrace homemade cooking or give in to takeout. The latter option didn’t sit too well with me, prompting me to take matters into my own hands. However, I’ve been on a mission to keep everything as straightforward as possible, without ever compromising on taste and that essential fresh touch. It’s all about meals that bring me joy while sticking to a simple and familiar ingredient list. No fancy utensils for me—I have just one kitchen knife. And there you have it.”

Now, here is my easy-3-cheese pizza recipe with tomato sauce and vegetables:

Ingredients:

1 ready-made pizza dough – 260g. I got mine from Carrefour. Sometimes, I opt for thick dough, but this time, I used the thin one.

Topping:

• 1/4 yellow bell pepper, sliced.
• 1/4 green bell pepper, sliced.
• 2 mushrooms, sliced (fresh, not canned).
• ½ onion, sliced.
• A sprinkle of goat cheese (or any other cheese).
• 125g mozzarella, sliced.
• 50g gorgonzola cheese.
• A drizzle of olive oil.
• A sprinkle of mixed herbs (called ‘herbes de provence’ in France).
• A few sprigs of fresh basil.

Tomato sauce:

I use this tomato sauce recipe for many other dishes, not just for pizza, as it blends well with various meals. (Jarred tomato sauce is a no-no)

• 3 small onions, chopped (or 2 medium ones) – I used red onions as I had them, but any onion will do.
• 3 small tomatoes, diced (or 2 medium ones).
• 200g tomato coulis.
• ½ beef stock cube (do not add salt as both the cube and gorgonzola cheese are quite salty).
• 3 small cloves of garlic, crushed.
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs.
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper.
• 2 teaspoons Italian spice mix (I use Ducros).
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Method:

1. Start by placing the olive oil, onions, garlic, cube stock, and mixed herbs in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Cook until the onions become slightly translucent.
2. Add the tomatoes, Italian spices, and pepper. Allow the tomatoes to cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat. If it starts to dry out, add a bit of water (not too much) and let it reduce.
3. Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the tomato coulis and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes. Allow it to reduce.
4. Now that the tomato sauce is ready, spread it on the ready-made pizza dough using the back of a spoon.
5. Distribute your garnishes evenly across the pizza: bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, then the three cheeses. Drizzle about 4 or 5 drops of olive oil and sprinkle mixed herbs on top.
6. Bake in the oven at 180 – 200°C (I have a convection oven, so use whatever setting suits you) for about 15 – 20 minutes, or until the dough turns slightly golden.
7. While it’s still hot, add a few sprigs of fresh basil on top. Your pizza is ready!

Bon appétit!