Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Sauce Preparation
- 5
Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Pizza Assembly
- 6
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or as high as it can go.
- 7
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- 8
Add Sauce and Cheese
Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute them over the sauce.
- 9
Bake the Pizza
Drizzle the top with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 10
Garnish with Basil
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
