Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes of Italian cuisine, with a fascinating history linked to Queen Margherita of Savoy. It is said that in 1889, she visited Naples and was impressed by the taste and appearance of a pizza made by master pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. He created a special pizza using ingredients that represented the colors of the Italian national flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). This delicious combination was not just a simple meal but a true homage to the queen, and since then, the pizza has carried her name.
To prepare an authentic Pizza Margherita, you need a few essential ingredients. Start with the dough, which is the perfect base for any pizza. Mix 500 g of type 00 flour with 325 ml of lukewarm water. Add 10 g of salt and 5 g of fresh yeast dissolved in water. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Let it rise at room temperature, covered with a damp cloth, for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Use 400 g of San Marzano tomatoes, which are famous for their sweetness and flavor. Blend them using a blender and season the sauce with salt, extra virgin olive oil, and a few fresh basil leaves. This simple yet flavorful sauce will be the perfect base for your pizza.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two or three portions, depending on the desired size of the pizza. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface, forming a thin disc. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to form a delicious and airy crust.
Preheat the oven to the maximum temperature, ideally reaching 250-300 degrees Celsius. Place the pizza on a pizza stone or a baking tray greased with a little olive oil. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, add slices of fresh mozzarella, and a few basil leaves. Bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
Finally, take the pizza out of the oven and drizzle it with a splash of olive oil. Let it cool slightly before cutting and serving. Pizza Margherita is not just a delicious dish, but also a true celebration of Italian culinary tradition, bringing together simple yet flavorful ingredients. Enjoy each slice and savor the authentic taste of Italy!
Ingredients: Dough: 400 g flour, 25 g brewer's yeast, 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, salt. Topping: 350 g tomatoes, 300 g mozzarella, olive oil, basil leaves, oregano, salt, red pepper.
