Introduction:

The Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish famous in Italy for its simplicity and fresh flavors. Named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, this iconic pizza embodies the colors of the Italian flag with its red tomatoes, green basil leaves, and white mozzarella cheese. Its creation is rooted in Naples, where in 1889, pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito crafted this pizza to honor the Queen during her visit to the city. The Margherita pizza quickly became a symbol of Italian national pride. Here I discuss the Margherita Pizza Recipe .

What are the Ingredients for Margherita Pizza Recipe ?

1. For the pizza dough:

• 300g (about 2 1/2 cups) Italian 00 flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 7g (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 200ml (about 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

2. For the pizza sauce:

• 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes, peeled
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. For the toppings:

• 150g (5 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

These ingredients are used  in Margherita Pizza Recipe .

How To Make it ?

1. Prepare the pizza dough:

• In a small bowl, mix the sugar and yeast with lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Making pizza sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

3. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (typically 250-280°C or 480-530°F). Place a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet inside to heat.

4. Shape the pizza:

• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle about 25cm (10 inches) in diameter.
• Transfer the dough circles to parchment paper.

5. Add toppings:

• Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

6. Bake the pizza:

• Using a pizza peel or another baking sheet, carefully slide the pizzas (still on parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

7. Finish and serve:

• Remove the pizzas from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Slice and serve hot, and enjoy the authentic taste of Margherita pizza.