Description
Margherita Pizza is a traditional Italian pizza made with minimal yet high-quality ingredients: a thin crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Its colors—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag, and it’s beloved for its fresh taste and balanced simplicity.
Ingredients
For the dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
For the toppings:
- ½ cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: pinch of oregano or chili flakes
Instructions
Combine flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Set your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pizza stone or tray inside to heat up.
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper if needed.
Spread tomato passata or pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Add minced garlic if using.
Tear mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the pizza. Add a few basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot tray or stone. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from oven, add a few fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve hot.