Vegan Pepperoni Pan Pizza

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer whisk together flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the water and mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough and the dough rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2

If kneading by hand, turn onto a clean and lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until you have a soft and slightly sticky dough. Flour your hands and the counter as needed (but as minimally as possible) to keep it from sticking.

Step 3

If kneading with a stand mixer, using the dough hook, knead on low speed for 10 minutes. Then turn the dough onto a clean lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute making any final adjustments adding flour if needed to make a lightly sticky and soft dough.

Step 4

Form the dough into a ball and then place in a lightly oiled bowl. Roll dough in the oil and cover the bowl. Set aside to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5

Add the olive oil, garlic, sugar (if using), dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, crushed red pepper, and a couple spoonfuls of the tomatoes to a blender. Process until smooth and emulsified. Add the rest of the tomatoes and blitz a few times until just ground up.

Step 6

Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn the heat to low, partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off and set aside when done.

Step 7

When the dough has risen, turn the oven to 550 ºF and set a rack one level below the center. If you have a pizza steel or pizza stone place on the rack.

Step 8

Pour some olive oil into a 12" cast iron skillet to coat the bottom. Gently ease the dough into the skillet and stretch to fill. If the dough resists, let it rest a few minutes then try again until it covers the skillet. Let rise while the oven preheats, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 9

Cover the dough with sauce working all the way to the edge. Then top with some of the vegan pepperoni. Sprinkle with a generous portion of vegan mozzarella, then top with more vegan pepperoni, sliced jalapeño, and red onion.

Step 10

Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and turning golden. If needed, transfer the skillet to a higher rack and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is nice and browned.