How to Make an Authentic Italian Pizza Margherita

The italian pizza margherita is a culinary icon, embodying the simplicity and freshness of italian cuisine. Its creation is often attributed to raffaele esposito, a pizza maker from Naples, who in 1889 crafted a pizza resembling the colors of the italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Here’s how you can recreate this masterpiece at home.

Ingredients:

• Dough

  • 300g Flour (type “00”) 
  • Yeast If it is fresh 5g (or if dry 2g )
  • 10g Salt 
  • 150ml  Water (it must be room temperature like 26oC) 
  • 15ml Olive oil or sunflower oil (if you use sunflower oil, nothing has to change. The oil is used to make the dough soft.)

• Topping

  • 400g canned San Marzano tomatoes sauce
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 200g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough

   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt,  Dissolve the yeast in the water and gradually add it to the flour, mixing with your hands until a dough forms and now mix olive oil.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the oven

   • Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, usually between 475°F (245°C) and 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

3. Prepare the tomato sauce

   • In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well. And it is ready to use on the pizza.

4. Shape the pizza

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two balls for two pizzas.
   • On a floured surface, stretch out one ball of dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.

5. Assemble the pizza

   • Spread half of the tomato sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
   • Distribute half of the sliced mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.

6. Bake the pizza

   • Transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to your preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
   • Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves. 

7. Serve

   • Slice the pizza Margherita while it’s hot, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil if desired, and serve immediately.

Recreating an authentic Italian pizza margherita at home is a rewarding experience. This dish is not just food; it’s a culinary experience that embodies the heart and soul of Italian cooking. The key lies in using high-quality, fresh ingredients and allowing enough time for the dough to properly rise, developing its flavor and texture. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece with friends and family.

Buon Appetito!