Margherita Pizza

Here’s a simple and authentic Margherita Pizza recipe for you to try at home:

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough (makes 2 pizzas):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any high-quality canned tomatoes)

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella), sliced or torn into pieces

• Fresh basil leaves (about 10-15)

• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

4. Let it Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce: While the dough is rising, blend the canned tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil in a food processor or blender. If you want to add garlic, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil for 1-2 minutes before adding the tomatoes.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. Otherwise, use a baking sheet.

2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it in half (for two pizzas). Roll or stretch each dough ball into a thin round shape on a floured surface, about 10-12 inches wide.

3. Top the Pizza: Place the shaped dough onto a parchment paper or pizza peel (if using a pizza stone). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

4. Add Mozzarella: Distribute the mozzarella pieces evenly over the sauce.

4. Bake the Pizza:

1. Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the heated pizza stone) and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

5. Finish the Pizza:

1. Add Basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza.

2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for extra flavor.

6. Serve:

• Slice up your Margherita pizza and enjoy while it’s still hot!

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This recipe makes two medium-sized pizzas. If you’re in the mood for more, you can double the dough ingredients. Would you like any tips on baking, or have you tried making pizza at home before?