Recipe: Homemade 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 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:
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.
Mix the Dough:
- 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.
Knead the Dough:
- 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.
Let the Dough Rise:
- 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.
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.
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.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. Spread half of the 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.
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.
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.
Repeat the Process:
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and toppings to make the second pizza.
Slice and Enjoy!
- Slice the homemade Margherita pizzas into wedges or squares and serve hot. Enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil on a perfectly crispy crust!
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