Margherita Pizza
Pizza Margherita, a symbol of Italian cuisine, has a charming story that dates back to 1889. This delicacy was created at the request of Queen Margherita, who, during her travels, tasted three variations of pizza. However, one of them, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, impressed her so much that it became her favorite. In honor of the queen, the pizza was named 'Margherita,' and since then it has become a true symbol of culinary tradition.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 3 large pizzas
Ingredients:
- 500 g type 0 flour (or pizza flour)
- 300 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 ml tomato juice (ideally, freshly squeezed)
- 375 g buffalo mozzarella (or regular mozzarella, preferably of higher quality)
- A bunch of fresh basil
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Step by step for a perfect Pizza Margherita:
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This is an essential step, as sifting helps aerate the flour, making the dough fluffier and lighter.
2. In another bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in warm water. Add the honey, which will help the yeast ferment better and activate the rising process. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to bubble.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl with flour, along with the salt. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or by hand until everything is combined.
4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. A useful trick is to add a little flour if the dough is too sticky or to knead it on a lightly floured surface.
5. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Mix the tomato juice with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but make sure to mash them well to get a smooth sauce.
7. When the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. Roll each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface, forming circles about 25-30 cm in diameter. Use a rolling pin or simply your hands.
8. Preheat the oven to 220-250 degrees Celsius. If you have a pizza stone, you can place it in the oven to heat up, which will help the pizza become crispy.
9. Arrange each pizza base on a baking tray. Spread the tomato sauce on each base, leaving a 1-2 cm border. Evenly distribute the mozzarella slices on top, and for added flavor, you can drizzle some tomato sauce on top as well.
10. Bake the pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the mozzarella has melted and starts to brown.
11. Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end will add a special flavor.
12. Serve the pizza hot, alongside a green salad or a glass of red wine. It’s a perfect combination that will delight your taste buds.
Practical tips:
- If you want an even crispier pizza, let the dough rise longer, even up to 2 hours.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or parmesan, to add unique flavors.
- Instead of fresh basil, you can use dried oregano for a different taste.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, use about 7 g of dry yeast, activating it according to the instructions on the package.
- How can I store pizza if there are leftovers? You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 1-2 days, but it’s best consumed fresh.
- What drinks pair well with Pizza Margherita? A dry white wine or a craft beer pair excellently with the pizza. Additionally, lemonade or a citrus-based cocktail can be refreshing options.
Nutrition:
Pizza Margherita is a healthier choice compared to many other types of pizza, having a moderate calorie content. A serving can contain approximately 250-300 calories, being rich in protein due to the cheese and in vitamins from tomatoes and basil. It is a good source of calcium and antioxidants.
Possible variations:
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor.
- If you want a spicy version, you can add slices of fresh chili or chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
Pizza Margherita is more than just a culinary dish; it is an experience that brings together the simple and natural flavors of quality ingredients. Prepare this recipe at home and enjoy a delicious meal full of history and tradition!
Ingredients: 500 g type 0 flour, 300 ml water, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 cube fresh yeast, salt, 200 ml tomato juice, 375 g buffalo mozzarella, basil, olive oil
