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Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza

A classic Italian pizza featuring a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 pizzas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Pizza Base
  • 16 ounces pizza dough (homemade or store-bought), at room temperature
Tomato Sauce
  • 1/2 cup San Marzano canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand Ensure to not cook before applying to dough
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Toppings
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into small pieces Drain and pat dry to avoid soggy crust
  • 10-12 leaves fresh basil Add after baking to retain flavor
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil One tablespoon per pizza
  • Flour or cornmeal for dusting the pizza stone or baking sheet Use generously to prevent sticking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in your oven and preheat it to its highest setting, usually between 500°F and 550°F (260°C to 285°C). Let the oven preheat for at least 45 minutes.
  2. Prepare your tomato sauce by crushing the San Marzano tomatoes in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Do not cook the sauce beforehand.
  3. Drain any excess liquid from the fresh mozzarella and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Divide your dough into two equal balls and stretch them into 10-inch circles on a lightly floured surface.
Cooking
  1. Transfer one stretched dough circle onto a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper.
  2. Spread about 1/4 cup of the crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving an inch-wide border for the crust.
  3. Arrange half of the mozzarella pieces evenly over the sauce and drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
  4. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  5. Repeat the process for the second pizza.
Plating
  1. Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot cheese.
  2. Let the pizza rest for two minutes, then slice into wedges and serve immediately.

Notes

For authentic crust, ensure the oven is as hot as possible. Use fresh mozzarella, and dry it thoroughly. Adding basil after baking keeps its flavor bright. Variations include adding spicy honey or brushing crusts with garlic butter.
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