Margherita Pizza

 Pizza is a popular Italian dish that consists of a flattened round dough base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese (usually mozzarella), and various toppings like vegetables, meats, and herbs. It is baked in an oven until the crust becomes crisp and the cheese melts. While pizza originated in Italy, it is now enjoyed globally and has many regional variations, including deep-dish pizza in Chicago and thin-crust pizza in New York.

Pizza Recipe

This is a classic margarita pizza recipe (cheese and tomato) that you can modify by adding your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Olive oil for brushing
• Any other toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
   • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated.

2. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
   • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour.
   • Stir until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as necessary to prevent sticking.

3. Let the dough rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
   • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest your oven allows.
   • If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to get it very hot.

6. Shape the dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles.
   • Divide it into two portions (if making two pizzas).
   • Roll each portion into a round pizza shape, about 12 inches in diameter, using a rolling pin or your hands.

7. Assemble the pizza:

   • Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle or layer the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
   • Add any additional toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, etc.).

8. Bake the pizza:

   • Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or place it on the hot pizza stone if using).
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

9. Finishing touches:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
   • Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves (optional), and cut into slices.

Enjoy your homemade pizza!

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite toppings or make adjustments based on your preferences.