Pizza marinara is one the first pizzas made in Naples—the origin of the pizza as we know it … more or less—and consists solely of tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. That’s right. No cheese. And, it’s vegetarian/vegan!

One of the main reasons that pizza is not considered a ‘healthy’ meal is that most people (and cafés) tend to smother it in cheese—there is even such a thing as ‘double cheese pizza’ where there is cheese on the bottom and the top! A true Italian pizza may not even include cheese and when it does, it’s never (ever) the bulk shredded cheddar. So let’s pretend we’re sitting at a little café in the piazza and go Italian!

With our various dietary requirements we always make our own pizza using GF bases.

Pizza with tomato paste, onion, mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil, and shredded rocket.

Italian style Veggie Pizza

What you need: Salt-free tomato paste (for the base) and veggies. Yep, that’s it! Popular veggies include mushrooms, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, capsicum, Spanish (red) onion, and olives. If you like heat you can also include some finely chopped chilli or jalapeño.

What you do: Pre-heat fan-forced oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Spread the tomato paste over the base and add sliced veggies. Decorate with baby spinach leaves and rocket and bake for 10 – 12 minutes.

Pizza with fresh tomato, mushrooms, onion and baby spinach, on home made GF base

Obviously, for the meat eater in your circle, you can also add chopped ham, chicken, salami, pepperoni, or any other chopped or shredded meat, or shellfish. And, if you really, really have to have cheese, place a few pieces of thinly sliced mozzarella (bocconcini) on the top before you place the spinach leaves and rocket.