15 Italian Pizza Margherita Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
The Italian pizza margherita is a classic and beloved dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originating in Naples, Italy, this simple yet delicious pizza is a staple in Italian cuisine. The combination of fresh ingredients and a crispy crust make it a favorite among pizza lovers all over the world. If you want to experience the true taste of Italy in your own home, follow this authentic and easy-to-follow recipe for the perfect pizza margherita.
The history of pizza margherita can be traced back to 1889 when it was created by pizzaiolo (pizza maker) Raffaele Esposito in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy's visit to Naples. The three colors of the pizza – red from the tomato sauce, white from the mozzarella cheese, and green from the fresh basil – were said to represent the colors of the Italian flag, making it a patriotic dish. It became an instant hit and has since become a classic in Italian cuisine.
The Evolution
While the original pizza margherita consisted of only three ingredients, it has evolved over the years. Nowadays, many variations of this classic pizza can be found, including the addition of toppings such as olives, mushrooms, and prosciutto. However, the true essence of the pizza margherita remains the same – simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
The Ingredients
The Dough
A key component of any good pizza is the dough. For the perfect pizza margherita, you will need to use a classic Neapolitan pizza dough recipe, which consists of only four ingredients – flour, water, salt, and yeast. The key to a crispy yet chewy crust is to let the dough rise slowly and then bake it in a very hot oven.
The Sauce
The tomato sauce is another essential element of the pizza margherita. Use San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity. Crush them by hand and add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet delicious sauce.
The Cheese and Toppings
For the cheese, use fresh mozzarella, preferably buffalo mozzarella, which has a softer and creamier texture. Tear it into small pieces and spread it evenly over the pizza. As for the toppings, keep it simple with a few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will allow the flavors of the dough, sauce, and cheese to shine.
The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix the flour, water, salt, and yeast in a bowl and knead until you have a smooth and elastic dough. Let it rise for at least an hour.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand and add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat your oven to the highest setting and place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Roll out the dough into a circle and place it on the hot stone or sheet. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add the torn mozzarella and basil leaves on top.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
Bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then slice and serve hot.
With this simple yet delicious recipe, you can bring a taste of Italy into your own home. Impress your friends and family with your homemade pizza margherita and savor every bite of this classic Italian dish.
