Margherita Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead Dough
Mix until a dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Pizza Assembly
- 5
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (around 475°F to 500°F) and place a pizza stone inside if you have one.
- 6
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out or stretch the dough into a 12-inch pizza crust.
- 7
Add Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the shaped pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese and Basil
Tear the mozzarella cheese into pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle some salt over the cheese and add fresh basil leaves.
- 9
Drizzle Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pizza to enhance the flavor.
- 10
Bake Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving
- 11
Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into wedges and serve hot.