A recipe for a classic Italian favorite, Homemade Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For the Pizza Toppings:
1/2 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
2-3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Pizza Dough:
In a bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center.
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, typically around 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
Shape the Pizza:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas.
Roll out each portion on a floured surface into a thin circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly over the sauce.
Add the fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes.
Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment paper, if using a baking sheet) onto the preheated oven or pizza stone.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Finish and Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top.
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the pizza, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Slice your Homemade Margherita Pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy!
This classic Margherita Pizza is simple, yet incredibly flavorful with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. It's sure to be a hit!