Margherita Pizza

Pizza Margherita: A Homemade Delight

Who doesn't love a slice of warm pizza, with melted cheese and the aroma of basil? Pizza Margherita, with its simple ingredients, is a perfect choice for a quick and tasty dinner. This classic recipe will not only satisfy your pizza cravings but also bring a touch of joy to every bite. Let's venture together into the delicious world of home cooking!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 00 for pizza)
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 7 g dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the topping:
- 250 g mozzarella (preferably fresh)
- 2 ripe tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- Dried oregano (to taste)

Preparation

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and sugar in 3-4 tablespoons of lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential as the activated yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture. Begin incorporating the flour by gradually pouring in the remaining lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing with a fork or your hands. Continue kneading until you obtain an elastic and smooth dough.

3. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. A well-risen dough will have an airy and fluffy texture.

4. Preheating the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 220°C (or to the maximum if your oven allows). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

5. Shaping the crust: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Instead of using a rolling pin, divide the dough into 2-3 pieces (depending on the desired pizza size) and stretch each piece with your fingers, gently pressing until it reaches the edges. This technique keeps the air in the dough, giving it a fluffy texture.

6. Preparing the pizza: Grease the baking tray with a little olive oil or line it with baking paper. Place the pizza dough in the tray and use a fork to poke the surface (except for the edges) to prevent excessive puffing while baking.

7. Adding the topping: On the pizza dough, spread the tomato sauce (if using sauce) or the slices of tomatoes. Place the sliced mozzarella on top and sprinkle with oregano to taste. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

8. Baking: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using a pizza stone, the pizza will bake evenly and have a crispy base.

9. Serving: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Served plain or alongside a fresh salad, Pizza Margherita is an excellent choice for a quick dinner or a special occasion.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Always choose a high-quality flour, type 00, which is ideal for pizza. This will give the dough a better texture and a more intense flavor.
- Yeast: If you prefer fresh yeast, use about 20 g, making sure to dissolve it well in lukewarm water.
- Mozzarella: For better taste and texture, use fresh mozzarella, which will melt perfectly and add creaminess.
- Variations: You can experiment with different ingredients, adding olives, peppers, or prosciutto, to customize the pizza to your taste.
- Storing leftovers: If there is leftover pizza, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Pizza Margherita is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, especially when made at home. The main ingredients, such as tomatoes and basil, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Mozzarella provides a good source of calcium, and whole wheat flour (if used) adds important fiber for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you should adjust the amount of water as it absorbs more liquid.
- How can I tell when the pizza is ready? The color of the crust is a good indicator. When it turns golden and the cheese is melted, the pizza is ready.
- Can I freeze the pizza? Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough without the topping. Then, when you are ready to cook, let it thaw at room temperature and add your favorite ingredients.

Pizza Margherita is a recipe that can easily be adapted to your preferences, so don't hesitate to experiment! Try serving it with a glass of red wine or fresh lemonade for a complete culinary experience. Enjoy!