Traditional Margherita Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any high-quality tomatoes), crushed
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Crush the canned tomatoes and season with a pinch of salt. No need to cook; the sauce should be fresh and simple.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually 475°F/250°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2-3 portions. Roll out one portion into a thin round shape.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Add slices of mozzarella and a few fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil.
Bake:
- Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Margherita Pizza! 🍕
