In June 1889 , Pizzeria Brandi’s chef, invented a dish called “pizza Margherita” in honor of the Queen of Italy . since toppings are tomato (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green), ingredients inspired by the colors of the national flag of Italy. Here is the classic recipe for a Margherita pizza, one of the most iconic and beloved Italian pizzas:
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
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- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
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- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
2.Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
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- In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes or passata and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3.Preheat the Oven:
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- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go (usually around 500°F/260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
4.Assemble the Pizza:
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- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) round circle.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
5.Bake the Pizza:
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- Spread half of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Place half of the fresh mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
- Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6.Finish and Serve:
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- Remove the pizza from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
Repeat the process for the second pizza with the remaining dough and toppings
7.Slice and enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!
This recipe makes two 12-inch Margherita pizzas. Adjust the quantities if you’d like to make more or fewer pizzas.
