Description
There’s something profoundly satisfying about crafting the perfect Margherita Pizza. The vibrant red of the tomato sauce, the creamy white mozzarella, and the fresh green basil represent the Italian flag, bringing not only a burst of colors but also flavors into every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine through, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that’s both comforting and exhilarating.
Ingredients
4 cups (512 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour, plus more for assembly
2 to 3 teaspoons (12 g) kosher salt
1 teaspoon (4 g) instant yeast
1.75 to 2 cups (400 to 454 g) lukewarm water
2 ounces (56 g) tomato sauce
3 ounces (85 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
Olive oil for drizzling
A pinch of flaky sea salt
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
To make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually add the water, mixing with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms. Drizzle a little oil over the dough and coat evenly. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 550°F (288°C) for at least 45 minutes.
Shape the dough: On a floured surface, divide the dough into 4 portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten into a 10-12 inch round using minimal handling.
Assemble the pizza: Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined peel. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, add mozzarella, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt.
Bake the pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, cut into slices, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250