Margherita Recipe
Vegetarian. red sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil.
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Ingredients
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Pizza Base
Pizza Toppings
Method
Pizza Base Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (3 ml) 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 Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (2 cups) and salt (1 tsp). Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (1 tbs). Mix until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
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.
Assembling and Baking Pizza
- 5
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- 6
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch round shape.
- 7
Add Sauce
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce (1 cup) evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese (8 oz) into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce.
- 9
Season and Add Basil
Sprinkle salt and black pepper (to taste) over the pizza. Add fresh basil leaves (1 cup) on top.
- 10
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil (2 tbs) over the pizza.
- 11
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 brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- 12
Cool and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm.