Latvian-style Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Pizza Margherita features Italian ingredients, our Latvian adaptation incorporates local flavors. We substitute the traditional mozzarella cheese with Latvian cheese, such as Jāņu siers or Skābais siers, which adds a tangy and creamy element to the pizza. Additionally, we enhance the tomato sauce with Latvian herbs and spices, giving it a distinctively Latvian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240 ml) Latvian tomato sauce 1 cup (240 ml) Latvian tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) Latvian cheese (Jāņu siers or Skābais siers), grated 2 cups (200 g) Latvian cheese (Jāņu siers or Skābais siers), grated
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. 4.
   Spread the Latvian tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the grated Latvian cheese over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Latvian cheese — Make sure to grate the cheese just before using it to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with different Latvian cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Add a touch of Latvian honey to the tomato sauce for a hint of sweetness.
• Sprinkle some Latvian smoked bacon or mushrooms on top of the cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the pizza with a dollop of Latvian sour cream on each slice for a creamy twist.

Serving advice

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

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves and drizzle it with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil. The vibrant green basil and golden olive oil will add visual appeal to the dish.