The Pizza Margherita is a symbol of Italian cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and authentic flavors. Comprising a thin crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, it embodies the colors of the Italian flag.
Ingredients:
- 350 g of flour
- 1 packet of baker’s yeast
- 150 g of grated mozzarella
- 100 g of fresh tomatoes
- 5 basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt
Preparation:
- Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt.
- Dissolve the baker’s yeast in a bit of warm water and add it to the flour mixture.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in size.
- Preparing the Tomato Sauce:
- Peel and dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
- Cook them in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper until a thick sauce forms.
- Add a bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf) to flavor the sauce.
- Let it simmer, stirring regularly.
- Assembling the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 250°C (482°F).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter.
- Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1 cm (0.4 inch) border.
- Evenly distribute the grated mozzarella over the tomato sauce.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves on top.
- Baking:
- Place the pizza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Upon removing from the oven, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and add a few extra fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Serve the Pizza Margherita hot, accompanied by a green salad or a glass of Italian wine for an authentic culinary experience.
This traditional recipe highlights the quality of the ingredients and the simplicity of preparation, essential characteristics of Italian cuisine.