Margherita pizza

margherita_pizza

Italian Margherita pizza is one of the most classic and beloved dishes in the world of pizza. It’s simple yet flavorful, with its signature combination of fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. This pizza has a rich history that dates back to 1889, when Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. To honor the queen, a local pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito created a pizza that represented the colors of the Italian flag – red tomato sauce, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves. The queen loved the pizza so much that it was officially named after her, and the Margherita pizza was born.

What makes the Italian Margherita pizza so special is the simplicity of its ingredients. The dough is made with flour, yeast, water, and salt, and is left to rise for several hours. The tomato sauce is made with just a few ingredients – canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, salt, and olive oil – and is simmered down until it’s thick and flavorful. Fresh mozzarella cheese is then added to the pizza, which is baked until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Finally, the pizza is topped with fresh basil leaves, which add a fragrant and herbaceous flavor.

While Margherita pizza may seem like a simple dish, there are some key tips to keep in mind when making it at home. First, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure that the pizza is flavorful and delicious. Look for San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity, and use fresh mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which can have additives that affect its flavor and texture.

Another important aspect of making Italian Margherita pizza is the dough. You want to make sure that the dough is elastic and easy to work with, so it’s important to knead it for at least 10 minutes and let it rise for several hours. This will help develop the gluten in the dough, which gives it its chewy texture and delicious flavor.

Finally, when it comes to baking the pizza, you want to make sure that your oven is hot enough to ensure that the crust gets crispy without burning the cheese. Preheat your oven to at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit and use a pizza stone or a baking sheet to cook the pizza. This will give you a crispy crust with a chewy interior.

In conclusion, Italian Margherita pizza is a classic dish with a rich history and a simple yet flavorful recipe. With high-quality ingredients, well-kneaded dough, and the right baking technique, you can make a delicious Margherita pizza at home. So grab your apron and get ready to make one of the most beloved dishes in the world of pizza!

Ingredients:

1 small pizza crust (10-12 inches)

1/4 cup tomato sauce

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2-3 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

  2. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet.

  3. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  4. Spread the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the pizza crust.

  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

  6. Arrange the sliced basil leaves over the top of the cheese.

  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.