Pizza Margherita: A Timeless Italian Classic

Pizza Margherita is all about simplicity – just three ingredients combine together to create something truly magical. So if you’re looking for an easy way to make your next meal extra special then why not give this timeless classic a try? You won’t regret it!

Why Pizza Margherita Is An Italian Staple Dish

First and foremost, the simplicity of Pizza Margherita sets it apart from other pizzas. It doesn’t require any special dough or complicated toppings; all you need to make a delicious version of this classic pizza are the four aforementioned ingredients. The traditional recipe calls for San Marzano tomatoes, which have a naturally sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella cheese and fragrant basil leaves. The combination is truly unbeatable!

The story behind Pizza Margherita adds to its allure as well; legend has it that the first pie was created in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito, who wanted to honor Queen Margherita di Savoia on her visit to Naples by creating something inspired by Italy’s tricolor flag (red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese and green basil). Whether true or not, this tale only adds to the charm of this memorable dish.

Finally, what makes Pizza Margherita so popular throughout Italy is that each region puts its own spin on the classic recipe. Whether you’re in Naples or Sicily, chances are you can find some variation on the famous slice – whether it be thicker crusts or different types of cheeses used - giving everyone their own unique take on one of Italy’s most beloved dishes!

At its core, Pizza Margherita embodies everything we love about Italian cuisine: freshness and simplicity combined with daring creativity and passion for good food! There's no other pizza quite like it - making it an easy choice when deciding what to order next time you're craving some authentic Italian fare!

Preparation of Pizza Margherita

If you’re looking to make this iconic dish at home, here are some helpful tips and steps:

• Start by preparing your dough — mix together flour, salt, yeast and warm water until it forms a soft ball. Knead it for 5-10 minutes before dividing into two parts and putting each part into an oiled bowl. Cover them with plastic wrap or tea towels and let them rise for 2 hours in a warm place.
• Meanwhile, prepare the topping. Slice 500g of ripe tomatoes into small cubes (or puree if desired). Shred 400g of mozzarella cheese and chop up some fresh basil leaves to create aromatic garnish pieces. Gently mix all three ingredients together in a bowl.
• When the dough has risen enough (it should be doubled in size), spread each part out onto greased baking trays using your hands or rolling pin – remember to leave space between edges as they will expand when baking! Spread tomato mixture over each base generously before adding shredded mozzarella cheese on top evenly within 1 cm from edge - feel free to add more if desired! Bake them both in preheated oven at 200°C/400°F for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top – don’t forget to rotate trays halfway through cooking time!
• Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over pizzas just before serving so they retain their flavourful aroma while still hot! Buon appetito!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious pie:

• Tomato sauce – The base of any good pizza starts with the sauce. For this recipe, it’s best to use homemade or jarred marinara sauce. Make sure not to overdo it on the sauce, as too much will overpower the delicate flavor profile of the rest of your ingredients.
• Mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella is an essential part of any pizza margherita; its mild flavor and creamy texture pairs perfectly with tomato and basil. You can either buy pre-shredded mozzarella from the store or shred some fresh at home for an even tastier result!
• Fresh basil – Basil adds a bright note to this classic Italian dish, so don't skimp on the leaves here! Chop up some fresh basil leaves right before adding them onto your finished pie for maximum flavor impact.

By using these three simple ingredients you can easily whip up a delicious pizza margherita in no time at all! With its classic combination of flavors, you'll have everyone asking for more.