Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
7. 7.
   Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
8. 8.
   Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly over each pizza crust.
9. 9.
   Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sauce.
10. 10.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
13. 13.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mozzarella cheese — Use fresh mozzarella cheese for the best results. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, you can substitute it with buffalo mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella.
• Basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping them to release their full aroma and flavor.
• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own by blending fresh tomatoes with a pinch of salt and sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• If you prefer a more intense tomato flavor, you can add a sprinkle of dried oregano or a drizzle of olive oil on top of the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, or prosciutto to customize your Margherita Pizza.

Serving advice

Serve the Margherita Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a few extra fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.