Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in many households worldwide. The dish features a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese, topped with fragrant basil leaves.
While the recipe may seem simple, the key to making the perfect pizza lies in the quality of the ingredients and the technique used to assemble it. In the following lines, we’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious Pizza Margherita that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
To make Pizza Margherita, you’ll need:
1 pound of pizza dough
1 cup of tomato sauce
8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
The first step in making the perfect Pizza Margherita is to prepare the dough. You can either buy pre-made dough from your local grocery store or make it from scratch. If you’re making the dough from scratch, you’ll need to:
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 4
Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until it forms a sticky dough.
Step 5
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 6
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
Making the Sauce
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the tomato sauce. To make the sauce, you’ll need:
1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make the sauce:
Step 1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3
Add the can of crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
Step 5
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool.
Assembling the Pizza
Step 1
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to assemble the pizza. Here’s how to do it:
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Step 3
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4
Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
Step 5
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
Step 6
Place the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Step 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9
Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the fresh basil leaves on top.
Step 10
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Preheat your oven and pizza pan or baking sheet for a crispy crust before baking the pizza.
- You can add other toppings to your pizza Margherita, such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or mushrooms.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch.
- You can use whole wheat flour for the dough and low-fat mozzarella cheese to make the pizza healthier.
Mahatma Rice’s Tacos Dorados Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, you should try tacos dorados of Mahatmarice. This recipe features crispy fried tacos filled with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and spices, topped with fresh salsa and guacamole.
Where Does the Name “Pizza Margherita” Come From?
Pizza Margherita is named after Margherita of Savoy, the queen consort of Italy from 1878 to 1900. According to legend, in 1889, the queen visited Naples and wanted to try the local specialty, pizza. To honor the queen’s visit, a local pizza maker created a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag: red tomato sauce, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves.
The queen loved the pizza so much that the pizza maker named it after her, and it became known as Pizza Margherita. Today, Pizza Margherita is one of the most popular and beloved types of pizza around the world, and it’s simple yet delicious flavors continue to delight pizza lovers of all ages.
How Long Does Pizza Margherita Last After Cooking?
Pizza Margherita can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days after cooking. To store leftover pizza, simply place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
When you’re ready to eat the pizza, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, place the pizza on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat in the microwave, place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through. However, it’s important to note that reheated pizza may not be as crispy or flavorful as freshly made pizza, so it’s best to enjoy Pizza Margherita when it’s fresh and hot out of the oven.
Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for over a century. With its simple yet delicious flavors, it’s no wonder that Pizza Margherita has become one of the most beloved types of pizza.
And if you’re looking to try something new, be sure to check out Mahatma Rice’s recipe for Rice and Beans Tacos Dorados, which combines the flavors of Mexico and the Caribbean in a delicious and easy-to-make dish. So why not add Pizza Margherita and Rice and Beans Tacos Dorados to your list of go-to recipes?
