Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella
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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 and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead the dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Assembling the Pizza
- 5
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- 6
Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch round shape or stretch it with your hands.
- 7
Add sauce and toppings
Transfer the shaped dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter them over the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 8
Bake the pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 9
Garnish and serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with olive oil, slice, and serve hot.
