Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita is a timeless Italian pizza that showcases the simplicity and harmony of just a few high-quality ingredients. Named after Queen Margherita of Italy, this pizza features a thin and crispy crust topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. In this article, we will delve into the history of Pizza Margherita, discuss its key components, and provide you with a recipe to recreate this classic dish at home.

Origins of Pizza Margherita: Pizza Margherita has its roots in Naples, Italy, where it was created in the late 19th century. Legend has it that in 1889, Queen Margherita visited Naples, and a local pizzaiolo (pizza maker) named Raffaele Esposito was commissioned to create a special pizza in her honor. He chose to represent the colors of the Italian flag by using red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves, creating the iconic Pizza Margherita.

Key Components of Pizza Margherita:

1. Pizza Dough: The foundation of any pizza is the dough. Pizza Margherita typically features a thin and crispy crust that is made from a simple combination of flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a touch of olive oil. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise, and then stretched or rolled out into a round shape.
2. Tomato Sauce: Pizza Margherita is traditionally topped with a vibrant tomato sauce made from ripe and juicy tomatoes. The sauce is often made by cooking down tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and a pinch of sugar for a hint of sweetness. It should be thick and flavorful, providing a luscious base for the toppings.
3. Mozzarella Cheese: The cheese used in Pizza Margherita is fresh mozzarella, which has a delicate and creamy texture. It is typically torn into small pieces or sliced and scattered evenly over the pizza. The mozzarella melts beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey and stretchy layer of cheesy goodness.
4. Basil Leaves: To add a burst of freshness and aroma, Pizza Margherita is adorned with fragrant basil leaves. The basil is added after the pizza is baked to preserve its vibrant green color and bright flavor. The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil creates a perfect balance of taste and aroma.

Classic Pizza Margherita Recipe:

Ingredients: For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of sugar

For Topping:

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or sliced
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add the lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together, then transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 500°F or 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
4. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a thin round shape, approximately 12 inches in diameter.
5. Transfer one rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute half of the torn or sliced mozzarella over the sauce.
6. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and toppings.
8. Slice the Pizza Margherita and serve it hot. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!