Recipe: Classic Margherita Pizza

 

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.

3. Shape the Dough:

   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle or rectangle of your desired thickness.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato slices on top of the sauce.

5. Bake the Pizza:

   • Using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet, carefully transfer the assembled pizza (along with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

6. Add Toppings and Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Slice and Enjoy!

   • Slice the classic Margherita pizza into wedges or squares and serve hot. Enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil on a perfectly crispy crust!