MARGHERITA PIZZA

Pizza Margherita: An Italian Delicacy for Your Leisure Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 13 minutes
Total: 68 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Pizza Margherita is not just a delicious dish, but also a recipe that carries a story full of tradition and passion. This pizza, with its simple and natural ingredients, was created to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, symbolizing the colors of Italy with red, white, and green. I will show you how to prepare this pizza at home, step by step, so you can enjoy a perfect result.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (e.g., Dr. Oetker)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup of sweet milk (approximately 250 ml)
- a pinch of salt

For the topping:
- 1 can of milk curd (or mozzarella, if you prefer)
- ketchup (2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 200 g Delaco cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- cherry tomatoes (approximately 200 g)

Step by Step

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in room temperature milk. Add a pinch of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is when the magic begins, and your dough will rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the eggs, olive oil, and activated yeast. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a homogeneous dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and comes away from your hands. It is important to pay attention to the texture; a well-kneaded dough is the key to a perfect crust.

3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 40 minutes in a warm place. This step is essential as it allows the yeast to work, resulting in a fluffy and tasty dough.

4. Preparing the sauce: Meanwhile, prepare the ketchup sauce. Mix the two tablespoons of ketchup with 1 teaspoon of dried basil. This simple yet flavorful sauce will add a delicious taste to your pizza.

5. Shaping the pizza: Once the dough has risen, I recommend rolling it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to achieve a round shape with an even thickness. Place the dough in a greased baking tray, ensuring it fits well. Use a fork to prick the surface of the dough so it doesn't puff up during baking.

6. Adding the topping: Use a brush to spread the ketchup sauce over the dough. Then, place the milk curd (or mozzarella) and halved cherry tomatoes on top. These sweet tomatoes will provide a burst of freshness and color to your pizza.

7. Baking the pizza: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the pizza in the well-heated oven and let it bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the pizza and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Put it back in the oven for another 3 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt and become golden.

8. Serving: Once the pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to slice it. You can serve it plain or with a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves on top.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Flour, oil, and cheese can significantly influence the taste of your pizza. Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients.

- Experiment with toppings: If you like to experiment, you can add olives, mushrooms, or even a few arugula leaves after the pizza is baked.

- Various options: You can replace the milk curd with goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor. Also, ketchup can be replaced with homemade tomato sauce for a more intense aroma.

Nutritional Information

This Pizza Margherita recipe offers a balanced serving of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The flour and eggs contribute to protein intake, while the cheese and olive oil provide healthy fats. Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and basil offers flavors and health benefits. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I store pizza for later? Pizza can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

3. Is Pizza Margherita vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and a wonderful option for those following a meat-free diet.

Serving Suggestions

Pizza Margherita pairs perfectly with a salad of arugula and parmesan or a glass of dry white wine. This combination will complement the flavors of the pizza and turn your meal into a true culinary experience.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to put this recipe into practice! Pizza Margherita is an excellent choice for a family evening or a gathering with friends. Enjoy!