Creating the perfect Italian Pizza Margherita involves paying attention to detail and using high-quality ingredients. Here are the essential steps and ingredients for crafting an authentic Margherita pizza at home:
Ingredients:
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Pizza Dough:
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) Tipo 00 flour
- 200ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) lukewarm water
- 5g (1 tsp) salt
- 5g (1 tsp) sugar
- 5g (1 tsp) active dry yeast
- Extra virgin olive oil
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Pizza Sauce:
- 400g (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
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Toppings:
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
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Make the Pizza Sauce:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, salt, pepper, and torn basil leaves. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to the highest temperature possible (usually around 500-550°F or 260-290°C) for at least 30 minutes.
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Shape and Top the Pizza:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out each portion into a round pizza shape (about 10-12 inches in diameter).
- Place the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Arrange slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
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Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Slice and serve hot, enjoying the classic flavors of an authentic Italian Pizza Margherita.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, for the best flavor.
- Let the dough rise sufficiently to achieve a light and airy crust.
- Preheat your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet thoroughly to ensure a crisp crust.
- Experiment with different amounts of sauce and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
By following this recipe and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Italian Pizza Margherita that rivals those served in the best pizzerias in Italy. Enjoy your homemade pizza masterpiece
