Classic Margherita Pizza: A Taste of Italy in Every Bite
Introduction
In the realm of pizza, the classic Margherita stands as an enduring favourite – a culinary emblem that represents the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. Bursting with the vibrant colours of Italy’s flag – red, white, and green – this simple yet irresistible pizza showcases the perfect harmony of flavours. From the crisp base to the gooey cheese and the aromatic basil, every bite is a celebration of tradition and taste.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
– 300g strong white bread flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 200ml warm water
– 7g dried yeast
For the Topping:
– 400g ripe tomatoes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 150g fresh mozzarella, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves
Making the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the middle.
2. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and leave for a few minutes until it froths.
3. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well in the flour.
4. Mix to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave to rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Preparing the Sauce:
1. Score the base of each tomato with a criss-cross and place them in boiling water for 1 minute.
2. Remove, cool, then peel off the skin and chop the tomatoes.
3. Heat some olive oil in a saucepan and add the minced garlic.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Assembling the Pizza:
1. Preheat your oven to its highest setting.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.
3. Transfer the dough to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base.
5. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Baking and Serving:
1. Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for around 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
3. Slice and serve hot, savoring each bite of this classic Margherita pizza.
Conclusion:
The Margherita pizza is not just a dish; it is a culinary journey through the rich flavours of Italy. With its simple yet exquisite combination of ingredients, this classic recipe captures the essence of Italian cooking. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, each bite of a Margherita pizza is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary pleasures can be found in the simplest of dishes.