Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 cup (235ml) warm water 1 cup (235ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce 1 cup (240g) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (225g) fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced 8 ounces (225g) fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

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

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Buffalo Mozzarella — Make sure to pat the buffalo mozzarella dry with a paper towel before slicing to remove excess moisture and prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• If you prefer a more intense tomato flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, or prosciutto to customize your Margherita pizza.
• If you don't have buffalo mozzarella, you can substitute it with regular fresh mozzarella.
• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can cook the pizza on a grill instead of baking it in the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Margherita pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or share it as an appetizer during gatherings. Pair it with a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to add a rustic touch.