Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Tomato Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Mix Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Tomato Sauce Preparation
- 5
Cook Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and dried oregano. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Pizza Assembly
- 6
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- 7
Roll Out Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- 8
Add Sauce and Toppings
Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top and drizzle with olive oil.
- 9
Bake Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 10
Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.