Whether or not you need to cook vegetables before putting them on a pizza depends on the type of vegetables you're using and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines:
Soft and Quick-cooking Vegetables: Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and thinly sliced onions can be added raw to the pizza. They will cook sufficiently during the baking process, and many people enjoy the texture and freshness they bring.
Denser Vegetables: Harder and denser vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes, benefit from pre-cooking. Blanching or lightly steaming these vegetables before putting them on the pizza will help ensure they cook thoroughly and become tender during the pizza's baking time.
Roasting Vegetables: Roasting certain vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or butternut squash before adding them to the pizza can enhance their flavor and texture. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and reduces moisture, preventing the pizza from becoming too watery.
Sautéing or Caramelizing Onions: While you can add thinly sliced onions raw, sautéing or caramelizing them beforehand can intensify their flavor and give the pizza a richer taste.
Leafy Greens: If you want to use leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard on your pizza, it's a good idea to pre-cook them by blanching or sautéing to soften them and remove excess moisture.
Remember that cooking times in pizza ovens are relatively short, so it's essential to consider the cooking characteristics of the vegetables you plan to use. By pre-cooking certain vegetables, you ensure they are properly cooked and maintain the ideal texture and flavor for your pizza. However, if you prefer a more rustic and fresh approach, some vegetables can be added raw for a crunchier texture. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste and the specific vegetables you choose to use.