Homemade Margherita Pizza

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:

  1. For best results, use high-quality flour and fresh ingredients.
  2. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet.
  3. Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique pizzas.
  4. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!