Margherita Recipe
Tomato sauce, olive oil, mozzarella, fresh basil
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Ingredients
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Tomato Sauce
Pizza Base
Toppings
Method
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- 1
Cook the Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the Tomatoes
Add the canned whole tomatoes (drained and crushed) to the saucepan. Stir in salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- 3
Simmer the Sauce
Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Pizza Base
- 4
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 5
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 6
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Assemble and Bake the Pizza
- 7
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to its highest setting (around 250°C or 482°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- 8
Shape the Pizza Base
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide it into two portions. Roll out each portion into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter.
- 9
Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread a portion of the tomato sauce over the pizza base. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute evenly on top. Add fresh basil leaves.
- 10
Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 11
Finish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and add a few more fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve immediately.