RECIPE: Try some of Monahan's special pizza

Recipe will make two 14- inch pizzas (or bigger if you want a thinner crust on the pizza).  Or you could use one large rectangular sheet pan. People can substitute with other veggies they have on hand. 

First make the Pizza Dough as follows:

1 1/2 tsp dry active yeast

1/4 tsp of sugar

1/4 c lukewarm water 

(1)  In a bowl mix together the 3 ingredients above. Let proof for 10 minutes until foamy.

(2) Add the next 4 ingredients below and mix it all well with a wooden spoon.  Alternatively the dough can be made in an electric mixer using a dough hook.  The dough must then be kneaded on a floured counter for 7 to 10 minutes or in your mixer for 5 to 7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. 

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 warm water

(3) Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. 

While the dough is rising you can make up the topping in a frying pan on the stove.

Ingredients for topping:

1 medium diced or sliced onion

1 chopped fresh pepper (red, yellow, orange or green)

4 cloves of garlic, chopped fine or minced

2 to 3 cups fresh mixed greens such as spinach, arugula, swiss chard, beet tops etc. that have been washed and cut into wide strips before adding to the pan

4 or more Tbsp of chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley.  These can be substituted with dried herbs but use lesser amounts.

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

3 small tomatoes, thinly sliced

1/2 c crumbled feta cheese

1/4 c good quality grated parmesan cheese, like pecorino romano

Heat a frying pan and add 2 tbsp olive oil to cook up the veggies. Fry the onions and pepper first and then add in the garlic, cooking just till softened.  Put these in a bowl and set aside to cool.

In the same frying pan with a bit of oil, cook up the mixed greens with the salt, pepper and herbs.  Turn often as you cook until the whole mixture is wilted. Add this mixture to the onion garlic mixture and let cool.

Once the dough has risen tip it out of the bowl onto a floured surface.  Let it rest for about 10 minutes. Prepare the 2 pizza pans by brushing with a bit of oil so the pizza won't stick to the pans.

Preheat the oven to 425 F

Cut the dough in half and roll each half out with a rolling pin to fit the size of your pans.  Brush the crust with a bit of olive oil and then add the cooled veggie combo, spreading out equally between the 2 pans, leaving an inch or so free of topping at the outer edges. 

Slice the tomatoes thinly and place around on top of the veggie mixture.  With your hands, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and parmesan cheese around on the top of the 2 pizzas. 

Bake, one at a time in the preheated oven, until golden and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. 

Remove from oven to a cutting board and cut into individual pieces with a pizza cutter.