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Margherita Pizza





Margherita Pizza Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Delight in the simplicity and flavor of Margherita Pizza with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Perfect for any pizza lover! Margherita Pizza is a beloved dish originating from Naples, Italy. Known for its simplicity and rich flavors, this pizza is a perfect combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and a touch of olive oil. What makes it unique is its adherence to traditional Italian ingredients and techniques, delivering an authentic taste that has been cherished for generations.

Ingredients – Margherita Pizza

To make an authentic Margherita Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano tomatoes)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Margherita Pizza

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

  1. Cook the Tomatoes: If using whole canned tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a blender. Simmer the tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  2. Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. Set the sauce aside to cool.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
  2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each portion into a thin round on a floured surface.
  3. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Add the Cheese: Arrange the slices of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (onto the pizza stone if using). Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  6. Add Fresh Basil: Once the pizza is out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Tips and Variations on Margherita Pizza

  • Using Fresh Tomatoes: If you have fresh, ripe tomatoes, you can use them instead of canned tomatoes for the sauce. Simply blanch the tomatoes, remove the skins, and blend them into a sauce.
  • Enhance the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of garlic powder to the tomato sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Different Cheeses: While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other types of cheese like buffalo mozzarella, burrata, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pizza dough mix available at most grocery stores.
  • Extra Toppings: Although Margherita Pizza is known for its simplicity, you can add other toppings like sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, or mushrooms to make it more personalized.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Margherita Pizza

  • Preparation Time: 2 hours (including dough rising time)
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the pizza is divided into four servings):

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 14g

Historical Insights on Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza has an interesting history that dates back to the late 19th century in Naples, Italy. According to popular legend, the pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy during her visit to Naples in 1889. Chef Raffaele Esposito created three different pizzas for the Queen, but she was particularly impressed with one that featured the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). In her honor, Esposito named the pizza “Margherita.”

This simple yet flavorful pizza quickly gained popularity and became a staple of Neapolitan cuisine. The tradition of making Margherita Pizza has been passed down through generations, and it remains a symbol of Italian culinary heritage. Today, it is enjoyed by people all over the world, cherished for its fresh ingredients and authentic taste.