Margherita Pizza
Pizza Margherita – An Italian Delight Cooked with Love
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 4-6
Pizza Margherita is one of the most beloved recipes worldwide, a symbol of Italian cuisine that brings together simple yet high-quality ingredients for a delicious result. This pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the 19th century and quickly became a favorite among all. Its fresh and aromatic taste will transport you to the sun of Italy, right in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 400 g wheat flour (ideally type 00 for pizza)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Warm water, as needed (approximately 250 ml)
For the topping:
- 3-4 fresh tomatoes (preferably Roma tomatoes)
- 300 g mozzarella (ideally buffalo mozzarella for an authentic taste)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh basil (a few leaves)
- Dried oregano (1-2 teaspoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Red pepper (to taste)
- Olives (optional, for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Add the flour and salt, then mix until you get a smooth dough. Start kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
2. Rising the Dough
Add the 6 tablespoons of olive oil and continue kneading for a few more minutes. Form a ball with the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
3. Shaping the Dough
Place the dough on a floured work surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a rectangular shape, being careful not to make it too thin. Transfer the dough to a pizza pan (greased with oil and dusted with flour) and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
4. Preparing the Topping
Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and slice them into rounds. If you prefer, you can also use cherry tomatoes, halved. Slice the mozzarella into thin pieces. These fresh ingredients will bring wonderful flavor to your pizza.
5. Assembling the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, brush it with a generous layer of olive oil. Arrange a layer of tomatoes, lightly salting them and adding red pepper to taste. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 220°C for about 20 minutes.
6. Finishing the Pizza Margherita
After 20 minutes, take the pizza out of the oven and add the slices of mozzarella and olives, if using. Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano and a few fresh basil leaves. Put the pizza back in the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
7. Serving
Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve warm, ideally alongside a glass of red wine or fresh lemonade.
Practical Tips
- Flour: Use type 00 flour for a finer, crispier crust. If you can't find it, regular wheat flour can also work.
- Yeast: If using dry yeast, one 7 g packet is sufficient. Dissolve it in warm water for 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.
- Mozzarella: Choose buffalo mozzarella for an authentic taste, but if you can't find it, regular mozzarella is a good alternative.
- Tomatoes: If it’s tomato season, use fresh ones! At other times, canned tomatoes can be a good option, but they won't have the same fresh taste.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of Pizza Margherita has approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the thickness of the crust and the amount of cheese used. The pizza contains carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the mozzarella, and healthy fats from the olive oil. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Possible Variations
- Arugula Pizza: After baking, add a handful of fresh arugula for a spicy taste and a note of freshness.
- Prosciutto Pizza: At the end of baking, add slices of prosciutto for a unique aroma and flavor.
- Vegetarian Pizza: Replace tomatoes with seasonal vegetables, such as peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but keep in mind that the crust will be denser. You can combine whole wheat flour with white flour for a more balanced result.
- How long can pizza be stored? Pizza can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.
This Pizza Margherita recipe is not just a tasty dish, but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by Italian flavors! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: Dough: 400 g flour, 25 g beer yeast, 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt. Topping: 3-4 tomatoes, 300 g mozzarella, olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, red pepper, olives.
