How to Make Italian Pizza Margherita from Scratch

Italian Pizza Margherita is a classic dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Making it from scratch is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly simple. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process, from preparing the dough to baking the pizza to perfection.

Ingredients

To make a traditional Pizza Margherita, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

500g of flour (preferably '00' flour)
325ml of warm water
10g of salt
2g of dry yeast
1 tsp of sugar
1 tbsp of olive oil

For the Toppings:

250g of fresh mozzarella cheese
400g of canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any good quality crushed tomatoes)
Fresh basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Salt to taste

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a bowl, crush the canned San Marzano tomatoes with your hands or a fork. You want a chunky texture for the sauce.

2. Season the tomatoes with salt and let them sit for a while to develop flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to the highest setting (around 250°C or 482°F) for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy crust.

Step 4: Shape the Pizza

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas.

2. On a floured surface, take one portion of dough and flatten it gently with your fingers. Use a rolling pin to stretch it out into a round shape, about 25-30 cm in diameter. Make sure to keep the edges slightly thicker for the crust.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

1. Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.

2. Spread a generous layer of the crushed tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

3. Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce.

4. Add a few fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

1. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a moment.

2. Garnish with more fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil before slicing.

3. Enjoy your homemade Italian Pizza Margherita with a side salad or a glass of your favorite Italian wine!

Making Pizza Margherita from scratch is not only a delightful experience, but it also allows you to savor the authentic flavors of Italy right from your kitchen. Buon appetito!