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Cooking and Homemaking: Making a Classic Margherita Pizza

Pizza is a beloved dish across the globe, but few variations evoke the essence of Italian cuisine quite like the classic Margherita pizza. With its simple yet robust flavours and fresh ingredients, this pizza is not only a delightful meal but also a perfect project for anyone looking to hone their cooking skills at home. Let’s explore how to craft your own classic Margherita pizza, making it a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

To create a Margherita pizza that rivals those found in the charming trattorias of Naples, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g strong white bread flour
• 300ml warm water (approximately 38°C)
• 7g (1 sachet) instant yeast
• 10g sea salt
• 10ml olive oil

For the Topping:

• 250g mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella)
• 1 can (400g) of San Marzano tomatoes (or any good-quality canned plum tomatoes)
• Fresh basil leaves
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking tray or pizza stone
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Oven
• Pizza peel (if using a pizza stone)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water with the instant yeast. After a few minutes, combine the mixtures by pouring the yeast mixture into the flour. Add the olive oil.

2. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.

3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel or cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Tomato Sauce: While the dough is rising, prepare your sauce. In a bowl, crush the canned tomatoes by hand, ensuring to leave some texture. Season with sea salt and a pinch of black pepper. You can add a splash of olive oil if desired, but keep it minimal.

Step 3: Shape the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest setting (around 250°C/482°F), placing a pizza stone in the oven to heat up, if you have one.

2. Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces for two pizzas. On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out one piece into a circle about 25-30cm in diameter, making the edges slightly thicker to form a crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Add Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the crushed tomato sauce onto the base, spreading it evenly while leaving a small border around the edge.

2. Add Cheese: Tear the mozzarella into small pieces and distribute them across the pizza.

3. Garnish: Scatter fresh basil leaves on top, reserving a few for later, and drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the entire pizza.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cook the Pizza: If using a pizza peel, sprinkle it with flour or semolina, transfer the pizza onto it, and carefully slide it onto the preheated pizza stone. If not, place the baking tray directly in the oven. Bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Finishing Touches: Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven. Add any reserved basil leaves and a final drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavour.

2. Slice and Enjoy: Allow it to cool for a minute before slicing. Serve your classic Margherita pizza with a side salad or on its own, as the star of your dining table.

Final Thoughts

Making a classic Margherita pizza at home is not only a rewarding culinary experience but also a wonderful way to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen. The simplicity of its ingredients allows for each element to shine, creating a harmony of flavours that is both comforting and delicious. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a quiet night in, this pizza is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, invite a friend or two, and enjoy the art of pizza-making in the heart of your home. Buon appetito!