Classic Pizza Margherita Recipe – A Timeless Italian Delight
The Classic Pizza Margherita, with its simple yet vibrant ingredients of fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, represents the heart of Italian cuisine. This vegetarian-friendly dish, with its crispy thin crust and balanced toppings, has become a global favorite. Letβs embark on a culinary journey to create this delightful dish at home, perfect for a family dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 4 cups |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1/4 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast (dried) | 2 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | As required |
| Honey or Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Lukewarm Water | As required |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
For Rolling and Dusting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 3 tablespoons |
For Toppings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | As required |
| Mozzarella Cheese | As required |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | For garnishing |
| Dried Oregano | As required |
| Red Chili Flakes | As required |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximation)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Preparation Time
| Stage | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 70 minutes |
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, sugar (or honey), and active dry yeast. Make a deep well in the center.
- Gradually pour lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the well. Mix thoroughly to form a soft dough. If the dough feels dry, add a bit more water.
- Lightly oil your hands and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a bowl lightly coated with oil, cover with oiled cling film, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Divide and Preheat
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and divide it into four equal portions.
- Preheat your oven to 220Β°C (430Β°F). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Dust your work surface with semolina. Roll out each portion of dough into an 8-inch circle or your desired shape using a rolling pin. Roll it thin as the dough will puff slightly during baking.
- Use a fork to prick the center of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border untouched to prevent air bubbles during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Carefully remove the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle it with semolina to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the rolled dough onto the stone or sheet. Brush a light layer of olive oil over the surface.
- Spread a generous amount of homemade pizza and pasta sauce over the base, followed by an even layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the hot pizza with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of dried oregano, and red chili flakes.
- Slice and serve your Classic Pizza Margherita hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this classic pizza with Broccoli Pesto Pasta and Cheese Garlic Bread for a complete Italian feast. Itβs perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining friends on the weekend.
This Pizza Margherita recipe brings a slice of Italy to your kitchen. Its vibrant flavors, authentic ingredients, and a touch of love in every step make it a recipe worth trying again and again. Buon appetito!
