Pizza Margherita

Ingredients

• 1 ball (about 8-10 oz) pizza dough
• 1/4 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or good quality canned crushed tomatoes)
• 3 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Semolina flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually 500-550°F), placing a pizza stone or steel inside if you have one, for at least 30 minutes.
2. On a lightly floured surface (or using semolina), stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 10-12 inch circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour or semolina.
4. Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Season lightly with salt.
5. Arrange the mozzarella slices or pieces over the tomato sauce.
6. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
7. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or steel (or onto a baking sheet if not using a stone).
8. Bake for 7-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven.
10. Top with fresh basil leaves.
11. Slice and serve immediately.

Why It's Special

Pizza Margherita is the quintessential Neapolitan pizza, celebrated for its simplicity and quality ingredients. Legend says it was created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, with the colors representing the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). It's a testament to how simple, fresh components can create an iconic and delicious dish recognized worldwide.