Homemade Margherita Pizza

Making homemade Margherita pizza is a delightful culinary project. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Toppings:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. 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.
3. Stir until a dough starts to form, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

1. Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat it with oil.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or passata. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

4. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting, usually around 500°F (260°C) or as high as your oven will go.
2. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

5. Shape and Top the Pizza:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter.
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
4. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Arrange slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella on top of the sauce.
6. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cheese.

6. Bake the Pizza:

1. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the hot stone using a pizza peel.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
3. If you’re baking the pizza on a baking sheet, simply place it in the oven and bake for the same amount of time.

7. Serve:

1. Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
2. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.
3. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!

Feel free to adjust the toppings and quantities according to your preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!