Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
- 2
Make Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let it 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 it has doubled in size.
Sauce Preparation
- 5
Cook Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add crushed tomatoes, salt, and dried oregano. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembling the Pizza
- 6
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- 7
Roll Out Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- 8
Add Sauce
Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 9
Add Toppings
Place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce. Drizzle olive oil over the pizza.
- 10
Bake Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 11
Add Basil
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool for a minute before slicing.