Pizza Margherita with Arugula – A Taste Story
Pizza Margherita is more than just a simple recipe; it is a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients. This classic pizza, with a crispy crust and fresh toppings, becomes even more delicious when we add arugula, a plant with a slightly peppery taste and rich in nutrients. Arugula not only provides a savory contrast but also adds magnesium and calcium to our diet. If you're ready to venture into the kitchen and create a culinary masterpiece, let's get started!
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients
For the crispy pizza dough:
- 300 g wheat flour
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- Half a teaspoon of sugar
- Half a teaspoon of salt
For the topping:
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 300 g mozzarella
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- A handful of arugula
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a tablespoon of flour and half a teaspoon of sugar. Add a little lukewarm water (about 50 ml) and mix well. Cover the bowl with a towel and set it aside for 10-15 minutes until foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.
In a larger bowl, put the remaining flour and add the prepared yeast mixture. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil and salt. Start kneading, gradually adding lukewarm water until you obtain an elastic dough that does not stick to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 2: Rising the dough
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes. The dough should double in volume. You can use this time to prepare the topping.
Step 3: Preparing the tomato sauce
In a pan, add the olive oil and finely chopped garlic cloves. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until golden, being careful not to burn them. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. If you like, you can also add a little oregano for a stronger flavor. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become soft and the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Preparing the arugula
In a small bowl, combine the arugula with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Step 5: Assembling the pizza
After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you have a thin crust, then place it in a pizza pan. Spread the tomato sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small edge for the crust. Place the sliced mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
Step 6: Baking the pizza
Put the pizza in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Finally, take the pizza out of the oven and add the marinated arugula on top.
Step 7: Serving
Pizza Margherita with arugula is served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for an intense flavor.
Helpful tips
- Make sure to use high-quality flour; type 00 flour is ideal for pizza.
- If you prefer a crunchier crust, replace some of the water with beer.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for different flavors.
- Arugula can be replaced with spinach or other greens, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fats: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Answer: Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
2. How can I store leftover pizza?
Answer: Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.
3. What other ingredients can I add?
Answer: You can add olives, mushrooms, or peppers to customize the pizza to your taste.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking and delight your family and friends with this delicious Pizza Margherita with Arugula. A simple recipe, but with a big impact, perfect for any occasion!
Pizza Margherita is more than just a simple recipe; it is a celebration of simplicity and quality ingredients. This classic pizza, with a crispy crust and fresh toppings, becomes even more delicious when we add arugula, a plant with a slightly peppery taste and rich in nutrients. Arugula not only provides a savory contrast but also adds magnesium and calcium to our diet. If you're ready to venture into the kitchen and create a culinary masterpiece, let's get started!
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients
For the crispy pizza dough:
- 300 g wheat flour
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- Half a teaspoon of sugar
- Half a teaspoon of salt
For the topping:
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 300 g mozzarella
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- A handful of arugula
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a tablespoon of flour and half a teaspoon of sugar. Add a little lukewarm water (about 50 ml) and mix well. Cover the bowl with a towel and set it aside for 10-15 minutes until foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.
In a larger bowl, put the remaining flour and add the prepared yeast mixture. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil and salt. Start kneading, gradually adding lukewarm water until you obtain an elastic dough that does not stick to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 2: Rising the dough
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes. The dough should double in volume. You can use this time to prepare the topping.
Step 3: Preparing the tomato sauce
In a pan, add the olive oil and finely chopped garlic cloves. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until golden, being careful not to burn them. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. If you like, you can also add a little oregano for a stronger flavor. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become soft and the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Preparing the arugula
In a small bowl, combine the arugula with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Step 5: Assembling the pizza
After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you have a thin crust, then place it in a pizza pan. Spread the tomato sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small edge for the crust. Place the sliced mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
Step 6: Baking the pizza
Put the pizza in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Finally, take the pizza out of the oven and add the marinated arugula on top.
Step 7: Serving
Pizza Margherita with arugula is served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for an intense flavor.
Helpful tips
- Make sure to use high-quality flour; type 00 flour is ideal for pizza.
- If you prefer a crunchier crust, replace some of the water with beer.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for different flavors.
- Arugula can be replaced with spinach or other greens, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fats: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Answer: Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
2. How can I store leftover pizza?
Answer: Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.
3. What other ingredients can I add?
Answer: You can add olives, mushrooms, or peppers to customize the pizza to your taste.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking and delight your family and friends with this delicious Pizza Margherita with Arugula. A simple recipe, but with a big impact, perfect for any occasion!