Margherita Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (3 tbs) and sugar (1 tsp). Sprinkle the active dry yeast (1 tsp) over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (2 cups) and salt (1 tsp). Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil (1 tbs). Mix 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. Form the dough into a ball.
- 4
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 it has doubled in size.
Pizza Assembly
- 5
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it's hot enough for a crispy crust.
- 6
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- 7
Add Tomato Sauce
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce (1 cup) evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese (8 oz) into pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce.
- 9
Add Basil and Season
Tear the fresh basil leaves (1 cup) and scatter them over the pizza. Drizzle with olive oil (1 tbs) and sprinkle with salt (to taste).
- 10
Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 11
Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, slice, and serve hot.