This Margherita Pizza is a timeless favourite that highlights the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. The combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a burst of flavours with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Margherita Pizza never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (shop-bought or homemade)
- Flour, for dusting
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (usually around 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3 – Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle or your desired shape. If the dough is sticking, you can dust it with a bit more flour.
Step 4 – Transfer to Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet: If using a pizza stone, sprinkle some cornmeal on a pizza peel to prevent sticking. If you’re using a baking sheet, you can place the rolled-out dough directly on it.
Step 5 – Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Place the sliced mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
Step 6 – Bake the Pizza: If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, simply place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7 – Garnish and Finish: Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot cheese. Drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil over the pizza and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 8 – Slice and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two before slicing it into wedges. Serve the Margherita Pizza while it’s still hot and enjoy the wonderful flavours of the classic combination.
