Unveiling the Flavors of Italy: Your Ultimate Guide to Making Pizza Margherita

 

Here's a traditional recipe for Pizza Margherita, a classic Italian dish:

 

Ingredients:

For the dough:

500g all-purpose flour

325ml warm water

7g active dry yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

200g canned San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)

200g fresh mozzarella (preferably buffalo mozzarella)

Fresh basil leaves

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to its highest setting (250°C/482°F) with a pizza stone or baking tray inside to get it hot.

3. Prepare the sauce:

In a bowl, crush the canned San Marzano tomatoes by hand or with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.

4. Shape the dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 2-3 portions.

Shape each portion into a ball, then stretch or roll the dough out into a thin, round pizza shape on a lightly floured surface.

5. Assemble the pizza:

Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

Tear the mozzarella into small pieces and scatter them over the tomato sauce.

Add fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with a little olive oil.

6. Bake:

Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or tray and bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent burning, as ovens vary in temperature.

7. Serve:

Remove the pizza from the oven, add a few more fresh basil leaves for garnish, and drizzle a bit more olive oil if desired.

Slice and enjoy your authentic Pizza Margherita!

This pizza is simple but full of flavor, relying on high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella, good tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Enjoy!