Soulful Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

While the original Pizza Margherita is known for its simplicity and fresh ingredients, this soulful adaptation adds a touch of Southern flavor to elevate the dish. The traditional pizza dough is infused with a hint of cornmeal, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty taste. Additionally, we'll be using a homemade barbecue sauce as the base instead of the usual tomato sauce, adding a smoky and tangy twist to the pizza. We alse have the original recipe for Pizza Margherita, so you can check it out.

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60g) cornmeal ½ cup (60g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (120ml) barbecue sauce ½ cup (120ml) barbecue sauce
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• ¼ cup (30g) fresh basil leaves, torn ¼ cup (30g) fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
8. 8.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
9. 9.
   Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
11. 11.
    Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.
12. 12.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13. 13.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and sprinkle torn basil leaves over the pizza.
15. 15.
    Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the pizza dough.
• Barbecue sauce — Opt for a smoky and tangy barbecue sauce to enhance the soulful flavors of the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked gouda or cheddar, to add more depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out even thinner before baking.
• Garnish the pizza with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve the pizza with a side of tangy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Margherita Pizza hot and fresh 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 your favorite hot sauce or ranch dressing for an extra kick of flavor.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional torn basil leaves on top of the pizza just before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish even more visually appealing.