Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Italian Pizza Margherita is known for its simplicity, the Croatian adaptation adds a touch of Croatian flair. The Croatian-style Margherita Pizza incorporates local Croatian ingredients such as olive oil from the Dalmatian coast and fresh basil grown in Croatian gardens. Additionally, the crust may be slightly thicker to cater to Croatian preferences. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) warm water 2 cups (470ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 4 ½ cups (540g) all-purpose flour 4 ½ cups (540g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) tomato sauce 1 ½ cups (360ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, olive oil, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.
   Add flour and salt to the bowl and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface 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 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
5. 5.
   Roll out each portion of dough into a round shape and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. 7.
   Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. 8.
   Remove the pizzas from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese — Opt for fresh mozzarella if available, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with toppings such as sliced bell peppers, olives, or thinly sliced prosciutto to add a Croatian twist to your Margherita Pizza.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, divide the dough into three portions instead of two.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style 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

For an elegant presentation, garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a pizza stone to enhance the rustic charm.