Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian dish featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with simple yet flavorful ingredients: fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil leaves. Baked to perfection, it’s finished with a drizzle of olive oil for a rich, aromatic taste. This iconic pizza celebrates the beauty of minimalism and fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano or a simple homemade tomato sauce)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll or stretch the dough into a circle on a lightly floured surface, about 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a stone.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Place the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Season with a pinch of salt.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper, if using) to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade Pizza Margherita!
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, you can preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the pizza on it.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the mozzarella and basil, to get the best flavor.
- If you want a charred crust, you can bake the pizza under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes.
