Description: Margherita Pizza is a quintessential Neapolitan pizza known for its simplicity and fresh ingredients. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with a rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. This pizza is a celebration of the flavors and colors of Italy, embodying the red, white, and green of the Italian flag.
History: Margherita Pizza was created in 1889 to honor the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. According to popular legend, the pizza was crafted by Neapolitan pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito, who wanted to create a dish that represented the colors of the Italian flag. The combination of red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil delighted the queen, and the pizza was named in her honor. This iconic dish has since become a symbol of Italian cuisine and is beloved worldwide.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for dough rising, if making from scratch)
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
- Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Toppings:
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano tomatoes)
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch):
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting (500°F/260°C or higher if possible). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting (500°F/260°C or higher if possible). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Prepare the Pizza:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for even baking.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.