Homemade Margherita Pizza: A Taste of Italy

Indulge in the classic simplicity of Homemade Margherita Pizza! This authentic Italian staple represents the colors of the Italian flag with its fresh basil (green), mozzarella cheese (white), and juicy tomatoes (red). In just a few steps, you can savor a slice of Italy at home.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:
• 2 1/4 cups of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of lukewarm water

For the Topping:
• 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes (or fresh if available)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 250 grams of fresh mozzarella cheese
• A bunch of fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start with the pizza dough. Combine the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water in a bowl, stirring it until dissolved. Leave it for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In another large bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture gradually while kneading until you get a soft, elastic dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and leave the dough to rise for about 1-2 hours.

3. Preheat your oven at 475F degrees. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats.

4. While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare your pizza sauce. In a blender, combine the whole peeled tomatoes, peeled garlic, salt, and pepper, then three tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until smooth.

5. Once risen, stretch the pizza dough into your desired size. If you have a pizza peel, dust it with flour before placing your stretched dough on it. If not, a baking sheet will do just fine. Spread an even layer of sauce on the dough, leaving a small space around the edges for the crust.

6. Place slices of mozzarella over the top, and scatter fresh basil leaves. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil on top.

7. Carefully transfer your pizza onto your heated pizza stone or baking tray in the oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.

8. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve your Homemade Margherita Pizza straight from the oven to enjoy its bubbly, cheesy goodness! With the perfect balance of fresh ingredients, this recipe brings out the comforting taste of homemade pizza that everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try and bring a slice of Italy to your dinner table tonight.

Enjoy your pizza-cooking and pizza-eating experience!

[End of Post]