Classic Margherita pizza recipe

Ingredients

1. 1 cup warm water
2. 2 tsp sugar
3. 1 tsp active dry yeast
4. 3 1/2 cups of Organic Marina’s Artisan Foods “00” flour
5. 1 tsp salt
6. 2 tbsp Organic Marina’s Artisan Foods Extra Virgin Olive Oil
7. 1 cup Organic Marina’s Artisan Foods plum tomatoes, crushed
8. 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
9. Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Make the dough: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 5-7 minutes.
2. Let the dough rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat oven: Preheat to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone.
4. Shape the dough: Punch down and shape into a circle (12-14 inches).
5. Top with sauce: Spread crushed tomatoes, leaving a small border.
6. Add mozzarella: Arrange sliced mozzarella.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
8. Add basil: Top with fresh basil leaves.
9. Serve: Enjoy your authentic Margherita pizza!

Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially San Marzano tomatoes.
• Keep toppings simple to preserve the classic flavor.
• Monitor temperature and baking time for a crispy crust.

Variations

• Neapolitan-style: Use a wood-fired oven for a charred crust.
• White Margherita: Replace tomatoes with garlic and olive oil.
• Vegan Margherita: Use plant-based mozzarella and skip basil.