Classic Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

While the original Pizza Margherita is known for its thin crust and minimal toppings, this Russian adaptation features a slightly thicker crust to cater to the Russian preference for heartier bread. Additionally, we will be using a combination of traditional Italian and Russian cheeses to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 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) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (250g) tomato sauce 1 cup (250g) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (30g) Russian cheese (such as tvorog or suluguni) 1/4 cup (30g) Russian cheese (such as tvorog or suluguni)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. 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, or 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 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
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, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Russian cheese over each pizza.
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...

• Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own by blending fresh tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
• Russian cheese — If you can't find traditional Russian cheese, you can substitute it with a mild white cheese like feta or queso fresco.
• Fresh basil leaves — Add the basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your pizza.
• Serve the pizza with a side of sour cream or Russian-style pickles for an authentic Russian touch.

Serving advice

Serve the Russian-style Pizza Margherita hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for a Russian-themed meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top of the pizza just before serving. The vibrant colors of the basil and the golden crust will make the dish even more visually appealing.