Homemade Pizza Margherita: A Classic Italian Favorite

The Pizza Margherita is a staple of Italian cuisine and remains one of the most beloved pizza recipes in the world. Simple yet elegant, this classic pizza features just four ingredients - fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The simplicity allows each flavor to shine, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate clean, fresh tastes.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 large pizza dough round (store-bought or homemade)
• 200 grams of mozzarella cheese
• 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes (about 450 grams)
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 fresh basil leaves per slice, plus a few extra for garnish if desired

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

Servings: 6 slices

To start, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using store-bought dough, it's best if the dough has been resting at room temperature for about an hour. This allows the yeast in the dough to fully develop and helps create a better texture.

Begin by stretching or rolling out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness that you prefer. For optimal results, keep the thickness around 1/8 inch thick as this will help the crust cook evenly without burning.

Tomato Sauce:

Mix the canned tomatoes with olive oil in a bowl. You should aim for an even distribution of oil and tomatoes. If you prefer, you can also use fresh ripe tomatoes instead of canned ones. Once mixed together, spread this mixture over your stretched dough to cover it completely.

Top with Cheese:

Gently place the mozzarella cheese slices or grated mozzarella over the tomato sauce. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed across the pizza so that each slice gets a good amount of topping when cut into pieces after baking.

Baking:

Pierce any air bubbles in your dough with a fork to prevent them from expanding during cooking and creating an uneven surface. Place your prepared pizza directly onto the middle rack of your oven; do not use a pizza stone unless you have one ready because this step can damage it.

Final Touches:

Before baking, add fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor and color. Once everything is set up correctly in terms of placement, slide your pizza into the preheated oven. Bake until golden brown around 15-20 minutes depending upon your preference for how crispy or chewy you like your crust.

Serve Hot:

As soon as it's done baking, take out your deliciously prepared pizza Margherita from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve immediately with a side salad to complement all that tasty goodness coming straight off the stone right into your mouth!

This traditional Italian dish is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. It’s a great base for experimentation if you're feeling creative or want to add more layers of flavor by incorporating other toppings such as prosciutto, arugula, or even pepperoni.

Conclusion:

The Pizza Margherita is more than just another pizza; it’s a piece of culinary history that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations. Its simplicity makes it accessible for everyone regardless of skill level, which explains why this particular recipe remains so popular worldwide.

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p>Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party or simply enjoying a meal at home, serving up fresh homemade pizza Margherita will be sure to impress your guests or yourself! Enjoy every bite knowing that you've enjoyed a dish rich in heritage and flavor.