Margherita Recipe
Make Margherita Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water (3 ml) with sugar (1 tsp) and active dry yeast (1 tsp). Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Make Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (2 cups) and salt (1 tsp). Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it along with the olive oil (1 tbs) to the flour mixture.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Topping Preparation
- 5
Prepare Sauce
In a bowl, mix the canned crushed tomatoes (1 cup) with salt (1 tsp) and set aside.
- 6
Slice Cheese
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese (8 oz) into thin rounds and set aside.
- 7
Prepare Basil
Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves (1 cup). Set aside for topping.
Pizza Assembly and Baking
- 8
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (usually around 475°F or 245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if available.
- 9
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out or stretch the dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
- 10
Add Toppings
Place the shaped dough on a pizza peel or baking tray. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the base. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
- 11
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the pizza with olive oil (2 tbs) before baking.
- 12
Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 13
Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, slice, and serve hot.