Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
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.
   Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sauce.
10. 10.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. 11.
    Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
13. 13.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture and flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese — Opt for fresh mozzarella instead of the pre-shredded variety for a creamier and more authentic taste.
• Basil leaves — Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping them to release their full aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• If you prefer a more pronounced tomato flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or a drizzle of olive oil to the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, or prosciutto to customize your Margherita Pizza.
• To achieve a smoky flavor, consider using a pizza stone on a grill instead of baking in the oven.
• Leftover pizza can be reheated in a preheated skillet on low heat for a few minutes to maintain its crispness.

Serving advice

Serve the Margherita Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as part of a pizza party. 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 pizza board or a rustic platter to add an authentic touch.