Homemade Margherita Pizza
This classic Italian dish is surprisingly easy to make at home.
About Time:
- Yield: 1 pizza (approximately 10-12 inches in diameter)
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes – 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 125g strong bread flour
- 7g sachet instant active yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 75ml warm water
- For the Topping:
- 4 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 70g reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, cubed or sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
- Combine shallots, garlic, chili flakes, oregano, chopped tomatoes, and tomato purée in a saucepan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- Create a well in the center and pour in warm water.
- Mix with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Shape the Pizza:
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle, approximately 22cm in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone (lined with parchment paper if using a baking sheet).
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Top with cubed or sliced mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted
- and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot alongside a simple rocket salad.
Tips:
- For best results, use high-quality flour and fresh ingredients.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet.
- Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique pizzas.
- Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!
